Kula wants all e-hailing drivers to get insurance
IPOH: The number of e-hailing drivers who contribute to the Social Security Organisation (Sosco) has reached more than 5,000 up to this month, but the figure is far from encouraging, said Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran.
He said the ministry hoped to see all 90,000 e-hailing drivers take up the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SPS) for their safety.
“The statistics show that this sector is the riskiest because they are always on the road. As such, they need a safety net and we are willing to provide insurance coverage to them.
“It is only (about) RM150 a year. The coverage is not only for drivers, but also for their families,” he said after visiting public service counters at the Buntong wet market yesterday.
Present was Socso deputy chief executive officer (operation) John Riba Marin.
“Many have yet to register and we have introduced different amounts to contribute,” said Kulasegaran.
The contribution per year is RM157.20, RM232.80, RM442.80 or RM592.80. Up to April, 4,231 e-hailing drivers have taken up SPS.
Kulasegaran said e-hailing drivers should take precaution after the recent murder of a Grab driver.
The company’s database system showed that the driver did not contribute to Socso.
“The family received nothing and we do not want this to happen,” he added.
The Self-Employed Employment Injury Scheme for self-employed taxi drivers or individuals carrying out similar services took effect on June 1 last year.
This social protection was in accordance to the provisions of the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017.
This scheme provides protection to self-employed insured persons from occupational injuries, including diseases and accidents during work-related activities.
This scheme also provides cash benefits to taxi drivers and their next of kin besides providing medical care, physical rehabilitation and vocational training.