By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Oct 10: Job seekers and fresh graduates who secure employment that requires relocation will receive an incentive of up to RM1,000 from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
In tabling Budget 2026, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also said that the Gig Workers Bill 2025 has made SOCSO contributions mandatory for gig workers.
“The government has agreed to cover 70 per cent of the contribution under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme for gig workers in sectors not yet mandated, upon their first registration, and 50 per cent for the second year,” he said.
Additionally, he said to enhance social protection and encourage Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, gig, e-hailing, and p-hailing workers will be eligible for a matching contribution incentive of up to RM600 annually or RM6,000 throughout their lifetime under the i-Saraan Plus scheme.
“The i-Saraan scheme will also continue for other informal or self-employed workers, with a matching contribution of up to RM500 per year or RM5,000 in their lifetime,” he said.
Meanwhile, the eligibility age for the i-Suri scheme for housewives has been raised to 60, which is in line with the minimum retirement age.
“SOCSO will also increase the maximum hemodialysis treatment rate from RM150 to RM170 per session, with an additional financial implication of RM52 million per year,” he said. — DayakDaily
