ONLY 35%, or 176,883 housewives, are protected under the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (HSSS) as of yesterday, said Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar.

He said the figure is a far cry from the 500,000-participant target set by his ministry for this year.

Sivakumar said the government strongly encourages all housewives under the age of 55 to register for the scheme, and for their husbands to contribute to the fund on behalf of their wives. 

The HSSS, launched on December 1 last year, was introduced under the Housewives’ Social Security Act 2022 and aims to protect housewives from domestic mishaps and disability while managing their households.

“I strongly encourage third parties such as non-governmental organisations and private companies to sponsor this contribution for housewives,” he told reporters after presenting Social Security Organisation benefits in Klang today.

He said as of May 24, RM167,000 in HSSS benefits have been paid to insured housewives and their families, proving the scheme can protect beneficiaries should they be involved in accidents, become disabled, or die when managing their households. – Bernama, May 30, 2023.