Probe Socso to avoid misuse of funds, PM told

 

Socso has decided to process benefit claims related to Covid-19 cases under the Occupational Disease category, as opposed to the previous Employment Injury category. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has urged the prime minister to look into the management of the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to avoid a misuse of worker-contributed funds.

MTUC secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor suggested an investigation into the handling of funds be carried out to preserve workers’ confidence in the organisation.

This comes after Socso made the decision to process benefit claims related to Covid-19 cases under the Occupational Disease category.

Previously, Insured Persons (IP) who were affected by Covid-19 were classified under the Employment Injury category and could claim benefits with regard to Covid-19.

MTUC believed that this change was a step backwards for Socso, criticising the move as being insensitive towards the needs of workers in the event of a Covid-19 infection.

“As previous claims were successful in alleviating the pressure on those affected by Covid-19, Socso should have communicated with the workers before making such a decision that disservices the workers,” he said.

Socso previously stated that as of March 26, 132,988 Covid-19-related benefit claims were received involving local and foreign workers, with more than RM133 million paid out to IPs since the scheme began on Feb 24, 2021. - FMT