Govt-sponsored coverage for self-employed drivers

Self-employed taxi, school bus and rental car drivers have been given a year’s worth of contributions to the Self-employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS), sponsored by the Transport Ministry.

Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry was able to sponsor 50,000 self-employed drivers following the success of sales of the “Gold” car number plate series recently.

He said Rm1.165mil from the sales will be used to provide coverage for such drivers who possess an active public service vehicle licence.

With the Federal Government increasing its contributions to the social security scheme for self-employed individuals from 80% to 90% in Budget 2024, Loke said his ministry has pledged to contribute the remaining balance of 10% or RM23.30 for these drivers.

“The Transport Ministry will sponsor 35,000 taxi drivers and rental car drivers as well as 15,000 of those who are selfemployed as school bus drivers,” he said at the launch of the free contribution initiative at Menara Perkeso yesterday.

Loke added that those who have paid the remaining balance will be able to get their returns through the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

“A mechanism to replace the contribution which was paid by the individuals will be announced by Socso,” he said.

Meanwhile, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim is targeting 500,000 contributions from the self-employed group under the SKSPS scheme this year.

He said as of March 3, there are only 433,881 active contributors recorded by Socso, or 14.56% of the 2.98 million Malaysians who are self-employed, according to the Statistics Department’s data for 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 added.