In the heart of downtown this week, Abdul Hayyi Al Hakimi Nazli found himself in the eye of a storm of unexpected misfortune. As a self-employed e-hailing driver, one might assume he’d be outside the purview of traditional benefits. Yet, fate had other plans.
Amidst a violent tempest, a colossal tree succumbed to nature's wrath, its trunk crashing down upon Abdul Hayyi, leaving him battered and broken. Miraculously surviving the ordeal, he now finds solace in unexpected quarters - the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
Steven Sim, the Minister of Human Resources, took to the podium today to announce that despite the independent nature of Abdul Hayyi's employment, Socso would extend its protective embrace. Temporary disability benefits, including a modest daily stipend of RM41.33 during his convalescence, were assured.
"Abdul Hayyi's injuries, spanning from his head to his limbs, have warranted extensive medical attention at Hospital Kuala Lumpur," Minister Sim disclosed.
But Socso's support doesn't stop there. Under the Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), Abdul Hayyi remains eligible for an array of benefits ranging from medical treatment to rehabilitation. Even the specter of permanent disability, heaven forbid, is met with a safety net of Permanent Disability Benefits.
The minister’s statement comes hot on the heels of a poignant visit to the bedside of the injured driver. Accompanied by a retinue of officials including Federal Territories Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa and Socso CEO Datuk Seri Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, the government demonstrated its commitment to its citizens in their darkest hours.
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of Grab Malaysia and the Transport Ministry, Minister Sim lauded their role in fortifying Socso’s umbrella to encompass gig economy workers like Abdul Hayyi. This initiative, seeded in Budget 2024, stands as a testament to the government's resolve to adapt to the evolving landscape of employment.
The incident itself, a tree’s fatal descent near Concorde Hotel on Jalan Sultan Ismail, not only marred the cityscape but also claimed lives. Among the casualties was Md Rizal Atan, a local resident, while Abdul Hayyi and a 72-year-old Swedish woman bore the scars of survival amidst the debris.
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