Slow response to scheme from taxi, e-hailing drivers – Socso

KOTA KINABALU: The SelfEmployed Employment Injury Scheme introduced by the Social Security Organization for taxi and e-hailing drivers have received lukewarm response even though various engagement programmes have been carried out.

Social Security Organization (Socso) Sabah director Dr Mohd Ali Hindia said less than 20 individuals had registered online for the scheme in Kota Kinabalu since it took effect in June this year.

He said various efforts and engagement programmes had been carried out with taxi associations in each districts, as well as roadshows with the Commercial Vehicle Licencing Board (CVLB) yet the response was lukewarm among taxi drivers.

Mohd Ali said this could be due to several factors, such as taxi drivers were already covered by personal accident insurance under their licence and lack of awareness on the scheme.

However, he said the concept of the scheme was more on the replacement of income.

“If taxi, Uber or Grab drivers lose their income or involve in an accident at work, they will get the same protection as well,” he said in a press conference during a seminar on Employment Insurance System (EIS) here yesterday.

He added that the scheme would be expanded to cover other sectors, including farmers and fishermen.