Nationwide Mega iLINDUNGu Festival To Promote Perkeso Schemes, Benefits - Sim

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) will continue its nationwide Mega iLINDUNGu Festival, to raise public awareness of the various benefits and social protection schemes offered by the agency.

Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the programme in Penang, today, held after the Shah Alam, Selangor edition last month, was crucial, as many contributors were still unaware of the full range of Perkeso benefits - including their eligibility to file claims in the event of an accident, occupational hazard or disability.

“Through this festival, we aim to raise public awareness about the advantages of being a Perkeso contributor, as well as the various new schemes that will be introduced, including the Lindung 24/7 scheme, the Lindung Kasih Scheme and several others,” he told reporters, after visiting the Mega iLINDUNG Festival, held here, today.

The three-day festival, which ends tomorrow, was also attended by Perkeso board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and Perkeso group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz.

Sim said that the response in Penang had been very encouraging, adding that the ministry is targeting 30,000 visitors throughout the event, with more than 13,000 people having participated so far.

The Bukit Mertajam Member of Parliament said that Perkeso is also offering discounts of up to 80 per cent on the Late Payment Contribution Benefit (FCLB), to employers throughout the festival, to help them settle outstanding contributions and encourage greater compliance with employees’ social security obligations.

He added that a total of 70 employers had come forward to appeal for FCLB payments amounting to RM205,185, of which Perkeso granted an 80 per cent reduction, worth RM164,000, during the Penang leg of the carnival.

“The first edition of the festival in Shah Alam, also held over three days, recorded contributions of more than RM251,000 involving 466 employers. Based on statistics, the total FCLB owed by all employers amounted to RM2.08 million, but discounts were provided,” he said.

“Usually, FCLB discounts are offered in April each year and sometimes extended into May. However, offering them specially during this festival demonstrates the commitment of the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), to ensure that no worker in Malaysia is marginalised or left without protection.

Apart from contribution-checking services, visitors can also register for the LINDUNG scheme, seek assistance at the counters, attend interview sessions, undergo health screenings and enjoy cultural performances, at the Mega iLINDUNGu Festival.

-- BERNAMA