KOTA SAMARAHAN: Employers must act responsibly by ensuring timely contributions to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) to guarantee workers are protected in the event of workplace accidents.
Political Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources, Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen, emphasised that the recent tragic incident involving a factory worker who lost his life in Pending last March serves as a stark reminder as to why social security contributions must be prioritised by all employers.
“We visited the family of the late Chung Jee Fatt, 70, who passed away on March 15 due to a workplace accident.
“Our checks confirmed he was an active PERKESO contributor, enabling his widow to receive the appropriate benefits and assistance,” he said during a visit to the family’s residence on Friday.
Previously, former Kuching District Police Chief, ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, stated that the victim was found pinned between a stack of pallets and a forklift blade, which had pierced his left chest, while working at a factory in the Pending Industrial Area.
He was pronounced dead at around 4:00 pm.
Following the incident, the PERKESO Prihatin Squad visited the family to deliver a Kotak Prihatin and a RM3,000 Funeral Management Benefit.
Crucially, the deceased’s wife, Nikun Gulep, 60, will also receive a lifelong dependant’s pension to support her livelihood.
Dr Yii stressed that employers must consistently fulfill their obligations to ensure all workers are adequately protected.
He also advised employees to regularly monitor their PERKESO contribution status and to promptly report any discrepancies or non-compliance by employers.
Additionally, he highlighted that workers in the informal sector, such as e-hailing drivers and food delivery riders, can voluntarily contribute under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS).
Dr Yii further noted that PERKESO is currently running program pemutihan, allowing employers to settle outstanding contributions without late payment penalties.
