If you’re a PERKESO contributor, getting treatment for work-related injuries or occupational diseases is now easier and more accessible. As of this year, workers no longer have to pay upfront at PERKESO panel clinics. Instead of spending between RM150 and RM200 per visit and waiting weeks for reimbursement, you can now walk in, show your IC, and receive immediate medical care at no cost.
This move is part of PERKESO’s efforts to ease the financial burden on workers, especially those in lower-income groups, and ensure they receive timely treatment without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.
A Long-Awaited Change
Previously, the process of seeking medical care under PERKESO involved multiple steps. Workers had to pay for treatment first, submit a claim, and then wait about a month for reimbursement. While the system provided financial support in the long run, the immediate cost was a challenge for many.
Now, all that has changed. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong recently announced that workers can now visit any of the 1,400 PERKESO panel clinics nationwide and receive treatment without making any payments. With just an identification card for verification, workers can get the care they need without the added stress of financial constraints.
Who Is Eligible?
This initiative applies specifically to:
- Workplace accidents – Injuries sustained while performing job duties, including falls, cuts, burns, or machinery-related accidents.
- Occupational diseases – Health conditions caused by prolonged exposure to workplace hazards, such as lung diseases from inhaling chemicals, repetitive strain injuries, or chronic back pain from heavy lifting.
If your condition is work-related and you are a PERKESO contributor, the full cost of treatment at a panel clinic will be covered. However, general medical visits for non-work-related illnesses or personal injuries outside the workplace are not included in this scheme.
How to Get Free Treatment
The process is now straightforward:
- Find a PERKESO panel clinic (there are 1,400 nationwide, including 129 in Penang).
- Show your IC at the clinic counter for verification.
- Receive treatment without making any payments.
According to PERKESO, the organization handled 20,000 clinic visits last year, with claims amounting to RM8 million. By eliminating the reimbursement process, this initiative is expected to improve access to healthcare and encourage workers to seek treatment sooner rather than delaying care due to financial concerns.
A Step Towards Better Workplace Protection
The introduction of free treatment at PERKESO panel clinics comes at a time when workplace safety is improving but still remains a priority. In 2024, Malaysia recorded 66,574 workplace accidents, a 2.4 percent drop from the previous year’s 68,220 cases. While this indicates progress, tens of thousands of workers continue to experience injuries on the job.
Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad emphasized that this initiative ensures workers are not discouraged from seeking medical attention due to financial barriers. By removing upfront costs, workers can focus on their recovery without added stress.
Beyond Medical Treatment: Financial Assistance for Workers
In addition to covering medical costs, PERKESO continues to provide financial support for workers facing work-related injuries, disabilities, or unemployment. At a recent Ministry of Human Resources event, Minister Steven Sim handed out RM145,972.86 in benefit claims to 10 recipients. These claims included:
- Self-Employed Social Security Scheme (SKSPS) – Coverage for gig workers and freelancers.
- Housewives’ Social Security Scheme (SKSSR) – Protection for stay-at-home spouses.
- Employment Insurance System (SIP) – Financial assistance for workers who lose their jobs.
- Permanent Disability (HUK) – Compensation for long-term work-related injuries.
- Temporary Disability (HUS) – Support for workers who are temporarily unable to work due to injury.
- Survivors’ Pension – Financial assistance for families of deceased workers.
These schemes play a crucial role in strengthening Malaysia’s social security net and ensuring that workers and their families receive the support they need during difficult times.
What This Means for Workers
This initiative marks a significant shift in how workplace healthcare is managed in Malaysia. Instead of navigating complicated claims processes and waiting for reimbursements, workers can now access immediate medical treatment without financial barriers.
For those in physically demanding jobs or industries with higher risks of injury, this change ensures that medical care is not delayed due to cost concerns. It also reinforces the importance of seeking timely treatment, which can lead to faster recovery and a lower risk of long-term health complications.
Moving Towards a Stronger Social Security System
By covering medical expenses upfront, PERKESO is not only providing financial relief to workers but also improving access to essential healthcare services. This initiative, combined with ongoing workplace safety improvements, reflects Malaysia’s commitment to better worker protection and well-being.
For PERKESO contributors, the message is clear: if you suffer a work-related injury or illness, don’t hesitate to seek medical care. Visit a panel clinic, show your IC, and get the treatment you need, without the financial worry.
Source: here
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