Widow of rabies victim receives aid, monthly pension

SERIAN: Human Resources Minister and Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem had a packed schedule at his office here yesterday as he received separate courtesy calls from over 10 groups.

The most notable group was Squad Prihatin from Social Security Organisation (Socso) which brought along Jimmy Jangga, the widow of rabies victim Tinding Lampang who succumbed to the disease on July 24.

It was announced that Jimmy will be getting a monthly pension of RM470 with immediate effect.

The life-long pension was approved three days after theplight of the deceased’s family was highlighted in the Borneo Post on July 25.

The late Tinding from Kampung Remun who worked as tractor operator was the sole breadwinner of the family.

Socso Serian branch manager Terence Tikok and the Squad Prihatin had prepared all the necessary documents to facilitate giving out cash aid of RM2,000 for funeral expenses and a life-long pension payment of RM470 to Jimmy.

Apparently, Tinding was a Socso contributor, albeit a late one.

Riot praised the members of Squad Prihatin, saying their proactive action went a long way in telling society at large why Socso contribution and membership are important to workers.

He also praised the employers of the late Tinding, saying their responsible attitude towards their workers’ affair had made the pension payment possible.

Riot called on employers every where to not fail to register their workers with Socso so as to enjoy such social security net.

He also called on employees to make sure their bosses register them with Socso and make the necessary contribution, which is minimal, without fail.

Another notable group who met Riot were the newly elected exco members of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Serian branch led by chairman Raymond Achen.

In his remarks to them, Riot called on DBNA Serian to complement the government’s efforts to promote technical education particularly among the Bidayuh youths.

He hoped to see more Bidayuh youths taking up technical courses, so that they would able to get employment and good salaries and not be left behind.

He said Malaysia needs to increase its percentage of skilled manpower in order to be competitive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and he cited Germany with 82 percent skilled manpower as a good example of a successful developed country.