Kota Kinabalu: Workers in Sabah’s port sector need to be better informed about their social security rights and entitlements to ensure they receive the protection and assistance available to them, said National Union of Sabah Port Companies Employees (KKPPSSPS) President Mohd Airy Arin.
He said greater awareness among union members was vital to ensure workers understood their rights, eligibility and the proper channels to seek assistance when needed.
“Workers who are our union members must acknowledge their rights and interests for their welfare and protection so that they know where to get help.
“This includes acquiring comprehensive knowledge of social security protection that could assist them in getting proper assistance when required,” he said.
Mohd Airy said this following a courtesy visit by the KKPPSSPS to the Sabah Social Security Organisation (Socso) office here recently. Socso Sabah director Dr Mohd Ali Hindia was present.
The visit also provided a platform to introduce the trade union’s main committee members, direction, functions and role in championing the interests, welfare, safety and social protection of workers in Sabah’s port sector.
He said the visit enabled the union to exchange views with Socso on matters concerning workers’ social security, including protection under Socso schemes, occupational safety and health, as well as facilities and benefits available to workers.
“The discussions also highlighted the importance of continuously increasing awareness among union members so that they are not only aware of the benefits available, but also understand the eligibility requirements and procedures involved in obtaining protection,” he said.
Mohd Airy said closer cooperation between KKPPSSPS and Socso could help strengthen a more harmonious industrial relations ecosystem while ensuring workers’ welfare and social protection continued to receive due attention.
He hoped the courtesy visit would serve as a starting point for stronger ties between both parties, while paving the way for joint programmes, particularly in education, information dissemination, social security awareness and efforts to improve workers’ welfare in Sabah’s port sector.
He added that KKPPSSPS remained committed to continuing its role as the voice of workers in Sabah’s port sector and as a strategic partner in efforts to strengthen social protection, enhance workers’ well-being and uphold workers’ rights towards creating a safer, fairer and more prosperous working environment.
