KUALA LUMPUR: A veterinary assistant who suffered a severe finger injury after being bitten by a stray cat at her home is among the latest recipients of benefits under the Social Security Organisation’s (PERKESO) 24-Hour Protection Scheme.
In a statement, PERKESO said Noor Ami Athirah Mohd Isa, 26, sustained serious injuries to her right index finger after attempting to catch a stray cat that had entered her house in Taman Sri Serdang, Seri Kembangan, on June 24.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 pm when the stray cat entered the house and damaged items in the kitchen.
While trying to control the situation, Noor Ami caught the animal, which bit her finger so severely that the bone was exposed.
“She immediately sought treatment at a clinic before being referred to Hospital Serdang. Upon arrival at the hospital, Noor Ami Athirah underwent surgery on the same day due to the seriousness of her injuries.
“As a result of the incident, she was granted medical leave from June 24 until July 31, 2026, and PERKESO’s records confirmed that she is covered under the Non-Workplace Accident Scheme (SKBBK), also known as LINDUNG 24 Jam,” the statement said.
PERKESO said Noor Ami will receive income replacement benefits amounting to RM684 for her 38-day medical leave.
“In addition, she is eligible to claim reimbursement for her medical expenses. If she has not fully recovered, she may submit additional medical leave to continue receiving the Temporary Disablement Benefit (FHUS), allowing her to focus on her recovery before returning to work.
“Cases like this occur quite frequently, but in the past they were not covered by PERKESO. However, with the implementation of LINDUNG 24 Jam, even if your finger is bitten by a cat, you are still protected. This is just one example, as many other cases are also covered.
“That is precisely why PERKESO introduced this scheme – to close the gaps that previously existed in the country’s social protection system. Previously, many people complained that their accident claims were rejected because the incidents were not work-related. We hope such complaints will no longer arise,” it said.
In a separate case, PERKESO said a 39-year-old factory operator who was left in a coma following a road accident while riding to visit his ill brother at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), Klang, also qualified for benefits under the scheme.
The victim, Noor Faais Azali, an active PERKESO contributor since May 5, 2014, suffered severe head injuries in the June 6 accident while travelling to the hospital for personal reasons.
“Checks confirmed that he is eligible to receive the Temporary Disablement Benefit (FHUS), with a payment of RM1,008 approved and processed for the period from June 6 to July 31.
“As his medical leave has been extended until October 26, 2026, PERKESO will continue paying the benefit, with the total estimated payout amounting to RM2,574,” PERKESO said.
Apart from income replacement benefits, PERKESO has also provided rehabilitation equipment, including a hospital bed, an 18-inch reclining wheelchair, a ripple mattress and a suction machine, as well as regular supplies of milk formula and disposable diapers, with the total assistance valued at more than RM5,500.
