ALOR STAR – The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has paid out more than RM19 billion in benefits to eligible contributors and family members over the last five years.
Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Awang Hashim said the amount increases each year, with 2016 recording RM3.3 billion, 2017 (RM3.6 billion), 2018 (RM3.8 billion), 2019 (RM4.2 billion) and RM4.25 billion (2020).
“Although the amount is getting bigger, Socso still issues payments to ensure the welfare of contributors and their family members are taken care of, especially when the country is dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Awang said the increase is also driven by the spread of the virus, which has greatly affected the employment sector.
The ministry foresees that the amount will continue to rise this year as the pandemic is still far from over, he added.
“However, we are prepared for any future challenges. God-willing, we will continue to pay out the benefits to those eligible so that the impact (of Covid-19 on them) is less severe.” – Bernama, April 11, 2021
