BAU: It was a sombre moment as the grieving family of a young woman who lost her life in a recent road accident received the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) Dependant’s Benefit.
Andrea Audrey Nios, 21, passed away at Bau Hospital on July 11 after the motorcycle she was riding pillion on with a colleague was rear-ended by a Perodua Kancil at Kilometre 2, Jalan Bau-Serikin.
She had been working as a shop assistant since January to support her family.
Despite the short employment period, Andrea had consistently contributed to SOCSO.
Thus, SOCSO has stepped forward to present the contributions, whereby Andrea’s parents will receive monthly pensions for life, while her three younger siblings will be eligible until they reach the age of 21.
The handover was conducted by the SOCSO Prihatin Kuching Squad at the Tasik Biru Constituency Service Centre on Friday.
The family also received a RM3,000 funeral management benefit and Kotak Prihatin, a care package containing essential items.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Marine and Riverine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, who is also the Tasik Biru Assemblyman, witnessed the handover of the contributions by SOCSO Sarawak Director, Tan Phang Chia, to Andrea’s parents and grandparents.
Speaking at the event, Henry expressed his appreciation to SOCSO for their swift action in extending aid to the family.
“This matter is very important. We must remind people to contribute to SOCSO. There are many benefits available in the event of an incident or other circumstances,” he said.
He therefore encouraged those in the workforce, including self-employed individuals, to register and contribute to SOCSO.
“Today, it’s easy to manage your own contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or SOCSO.
“It can be any amount, big or small, but they provide many benefits for you and your family in the long run,” he added.
Earlier, Tan said checks showed that Andrea had been an active contributor since January, which qualified her family to receive contributions under the dependant’s benefit despite the short contribution period.
“Her siblings will receive a monthly pension until they turn 21, while her parents will receive a lifelong pension,” he said.
Meanwhile, Andrea’s mother, Rona Aye, conveyed her appreciation to SOCSO, and those who have assisted her during such a difficult time.
“She was not only our eldest child, she was our hope. Although she only worked for a few months, Andrea’s contributions to SOCSO have provided some support for our family,” she said.
