GEORGE TOWN, August 3 – In a move to expand social safety coverage among self-employed individuals, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong has sponsored SOCSO contributions under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) for 200 non-Muslim house of worship workers in Penang.
These beneficiaries, comprising Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Taoist, and Sikh religious service providers under the oversight of Perbadanan Harmoni Pulau Pinang (HARMONICO), are now covered under Plan 2, amounting to a total sponsorship value of RM46,560.
Speaking at a briefing in Georgetown, Sim emphasised that the initiative aims to instil awareness about the importance of social protection. “When OBBS [self-employed insured persons] understand that this protection benefits not only themselves but also their families, they are more likely to continue contributing voluntarily,” he said. W
ith this sponsorship, Penang now records 232 active OBBS under the non-Muslim house of worship category, while PERKESO nationwide continues to disburse millions in benefits—RM15 million to 4,517 contributors in just the first half of 2025.
