SOCSO Covers Cancer

The Social Security Organisation (Socso) says it does help provide the necessary financial support for its members who are suffering from chronic diseases including cancer, following a think tank’s call for a reform of the compulsory workplace insurance scheme.

Socso chief executive Mohammad Azman Aziz Mohammed said this in response to a report by public policy research organisation, Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy (Galen Centre), on the hardships faced by cancer patients to cover their medical costs through Socso.

“Such provisions for social security benefits due to chronic diseases such as cancer are already in the Employees Social Security Act 1969,” he told FMT in a statement.

Azman said the provisions were available under the Invalidity Pension Scheme, which covers Invalidity Pension, Invalidity Grant, Rehabilitation Benefit, Survivors’ Pension, Constant Attendance Allowance, Funeral Benefit and Education Benefit.

Last Friday, Galen Centre, in a report titled “Saving Lives and Surviving Cancer in Malaysia: Recommendations for Policymakers”, called for the reform of Socso legislation.

“Reform of relevant legislation such as the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 is needed to ensure that cancer survivors are able to claim their benefits, regardless of cancer stage, while they continue to work,” Galen Centre said.

Socso said the outflow of funds under the Invalidity Pension Scheme also proves its commitment to affected workers.

“The various benefits that are provided, however, come at a cost, given that the premium imposed is at a minimal value of 1% of the insured person’s salary, equally shared between the employers and the employees.

“This is reflected in the amount of benefit paid out for the Invalidity Pension Scheme of RM1.95 million in 2016, compared with the total premium received amounting to RM1.45 million in the same year,” Azman said, adding that the shortfall is covered by Socso’s investment revenue.

He said Socso also provided other benefits for all workers whom it covers.

“As part of the benefits provided for workers with chronic illnesses, Socso also provides dialysis facilities to more than 14,000 people. This costs us more than RM200 million every year.

“We truly value the concerns raised by organisations such as the Galen Centre and appreciate the suggestions made on widening the coverage,” Azman said.