KUALA LUMPUR: The Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SESSS), under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789), is currently mandatory only to all self-employed taxi, e-hailing and bus drivers who work full-time or part-time.
“It has yet to be extended to other informal sectors such as farming, fishing, smallholding, the operation of businesses, as well as the arts and entertainment industries,” according to a press statement issued by Socso, yesterday.
It was referring to a recent news report on actor-director Namron’s intention to get himself and fellow industry players to contribute to Socso.
The statement also said that SESSS, which took effect from June 1, 2017, is aimed at protecting the self-employed and those in informal sectors against self-employment injuries, including occupational diseases and accidents during work-related activities.
“Under Act 789, self-employment injuries refer to personal injury to a self-employed insured person caused by an accident or an occupational disease arising out of and in the course of his or her self-employment activity including while travelling for the purpose of his or her self-employment activity.
“Occupational disease is a disease resulting from his or her occupation as described in the Fifth Schedule of Employees’ Social Security Act 1969,” it said.
The statement further explained that this scheme provides cash benefits to the self-employed and their beneficiaries, besides providing medical care, physical rehabilitation and vocational training.
“Failure to register is an offence under the Act and will be liable to a fine not exceeding RM10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
“The protection under the scheme, whether on a monthly or annual basis, is based on the date and time of contribution paid and certified through the receipt of the contribution payment.”