Over 860,000 self-employed people are registered with PERKESO, but only 1.12% are from the arts sector, prompting new awareness and subsidy efforts.
KUALA LUMPUR: Over 860,000 self-employed individuals have registered with the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) under its Self-Employment Social Security Scheme.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said that as of November, the total number of contributors reached 860,016.
He noted that only 9,660 contributors, or 1.12%, are from the arts sector, making it the group with the lowest social security coverage.
“Therefore, we need to redouble our efforts and spread information about our matching contribution allocations, especially among those in the arts sector as they are also exposed to various unexpected work risks,” Sim told reporters.
He spoke after attending the ‘LINDUNG: Hati Nan Prihatin’ musicalisation programme, a joint awareness event by PERKESO, the Professional Film Workers Association of Malaysia, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
Sim said efforts to boost art sector involvement need to be intensified through matching contributions.
The government has allocated subsidies of up to 70% for LINDUNG Kendiri contributions in Budget 2026, including for non-compulsory sectors.
From January to October, PERKESO channelled benefits to 6,815 LINDUNG Kendiri contributors, with total payments exceeding RM25.9 million.
PERKESO is now focused on raising awareness and participation in the arts industry.
The minister added that self-employed arts workers operate independently without permanent employers, making them the group most exposed to the risk of losing income due to injury, accidents, or the inability to work. – Bernama
