The government has tabled the Housewives’ Social Security Bill for the first reading – which if eventually passed – will allow housewives aged below 55 years old to enjoy Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) coverage for RM10 per month.
Under this bill, the SOCSO coverage will be provided via a voluntary scheme called the Housewife Social Security Scheme (SKSSR). Specifically, housewives who contribute to the scheme will be entitled to a range of benefits, including:
- Up to RM30,000 permanent disability benefit
- Up to RM50,000 coverage for physical rehabilitation due to injuries
- RM250 monthly allowance for housewives who require constant aid following injuries (constant attendance allowance)
- RM200 monthly allowance for dialysis treatment (end-stage renal failure)
- RM2,000 one-off funeral benefit
Husbands will need to pay a yearly contribution of RM120 per housewife in advance to SOCSO for a 12-month coverage (RM10 per month), which can be made through deductions via the husband’s employer. Alternatively, housewives can also choose to make their own contributions if they so prefer.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan – who tabled the bill – also clarified that husbands who have voluntarily registered for SKSSR but fail to make the contribution will face a fine of RM10,000. However, this can be avoided if he informs SOCSO beforehand and explains the reasons for his inability to contribute (such as loss of income and so on).
Additionally, Datuk Seri Saravanan said that insured housewives who contribute to SKSSR will continue to be covered in the event of a divorce or the husband’s death. Similarly, if the husband is unable to pay contribution due to loss of income or other reasons, she will also be covered until the expiry of her contribution period.
The Housewives’ Social Security Bill and the SKSSR were both highlighted last year following a Cabinet decision to provide housewives with social security protection against domestic incidents, including accidents, diseases, and deaths. He noted back then that 150,000 housewives from poor households and those below the poverty line will be covered by the government, while participation is voluntary for others.
(Sources: Malay Mail, The Star)
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