Socso age limit stays

> Coverage will not be extended to workers above 60

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no plans to extend social security coverage under the Employment Injury and Invalidity Schemes to workers above the age of 60.

Stating this, Deputy Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Muttalib ( pix) said that the government does not intend to extend the current age limit of 60 for coverage under all categories due to numerous reasons.

He said this was in line with amendments to the Employee’s Social Security Act in 2012, which raised the qualifying age for Invalidity Scheme and Employment Injury Scheme claims from 55 to 60 years.

“We do not intend to increase the age limit beyond 60 because there will implications on many aspects in terms of law and finance.

“The government through the Social Security Organisation (Socso) is trying to reduce accident rates at the workplace and when travelling for work so that Socso benefits can be channelled to other interests, like education and welfare,” Ismail said.

However he said the government will consider the matter and study it in detail.

He was responding to Datuk Normala Abdul Samad (BNPasir Gudang), who asked if the government intends to change the age requirement to make Socso claims from 60 to no age limit since there are many workers over 60.

Ismail said those above 60 who are working can still make claims under one category, which is the Employment Injury Scheme, but only with limited coverage.