IPOH: The widow of the late S. Thava Sagayam, E. Philomena, today received RM14,000 and a lifelong pension benefit from the Social Security Organisation (Socso).
This follows her husband's death last month, which resulted from a severe head injury while on duty as a security guard last year.
The 59-year-old expressed her gratitude to Socso and the Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan for providing the social security benefit.
"My husband was the sole breadwinner in the family and I don't have children to support me. I feel so relieved. I didn't expect that I would get the aid.
"I was happy when Socso informed me I was eligible for the Pension Benefit (FOT) as a dependent. The payment could ease my burden. I am grateful to Socso for providing the help," she said when met at her home in Taman Buntong Ria here, today.
Philomena said she had to quit her job after the alleged assault incident to look after her husband at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) for eight-months.
"I used to work at the factory near my home and since the incident, I looked after my husband who was bedridden at the time," she said.
Philomena received the Socso's benefit cheque from Saravanan at her home today. Also present was Socso chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed and Perak Socso director Anthony Arul Dass.
Saravanan said following the incident, Socso reviewed the deceased's contribution and found that he contributed under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) through his employment as a security guard.
"Contributions made by the deceased also met the eligibility requirements under the Occupational Disaster Scheme and enabled his heirs to receive benefit help under this scheme.
"Philomena is eligible to receive three Socso benefits. First, Temporary Disability Benefit paid for the entire period the deceased received his sick leave from the accident until death amounting to RM12,737.32," he said.
Saravanan added Philomena is also eligible to receive FOT paid monthly amounting RM1,143.90 and Funeral Management Benefit amounting to RM2,000.
"The ministry and Socso express our sympathy and hope that the benefits received by the widow would help ease her burden to continue her daily life," he added.
It was reported that the security guard had sustained head injuries in the Dec 29 incident last year after being assaulted by the home stay guest following an argument.
The security guard was found by a worker at the condominium bleeding from his head and was rushed to the HRPB in a semi-conscious state.
Following his death on Aug 27, police have reclassified the case under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.