PUTRAJAYA: Funds from the auction of the "Gold" number plate series held recently in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Federal Territories (FT) Day will be used to pay the balance 10% contribution for self-employed drivers under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS).
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said 50,000 taxi, school bus and rental car drivers would benefit from the move.
Following the raised coverage of SKSPS to 90% from 80% which was announced by the government during the 2024 Budget, Loke said his ministry was able to contribute the remaining balance of 10% or RM23.30 free contribution for the selected group.
He said RM1.165mil from the sales would be used to cover those with active public service vehicle licences (PSV).
"The Transport Ministry will sponsor 35,000 taxi drivers and rental car drivers as well as 15,000 of those who are self-employed as school bus drivers," he said when launching the free contribution initiative at the Menara Perkeso here, on Wednesday (March 13).
Loke added the contribution would not only benefit the drivers but also their families, as there were a large number of Malaysians who were self-employed.
"The families will be protected under the coverage in case of unfortunate accidents. It is often the issue when the bread winner was involved in an accident and the family lost their main source of income.
"With the coverage, the families will benefit by getting monthly assistance for the rest of their lives," he said.
Meanwhile, Human Resource Minister Steven Sim was targeting 500,000 contributions from self-employed groups under the SKSPS scheme this year.
As of March 3, Sim said there were just 433,881 active contributors recorded by the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
There are 2.98 million Malaysians who were self-employed according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia in 2023.
"Those who are working in the informal sector only need to pay 10% or RM23.30 for 12 months worth of coverage.
"They are also eligible to receive medical treatment, physical treatment and vocational training," he said.
In a separate matter, Sim said the ministry was currently conducting a review on the terms, functions as well as the financial management of the Gig Workers Commission.
He said the review was conducted in collaboration with Universiti Malaya (UM) and an interim report would be tabled to the Cabinet in three months.
On March 2, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the formation of a Gig Workers Commission, which would protect and safeguard the welfare of gig workers in the country.
