BUKIT MERTAJAM – Workers seeking treatment at Social Security Organisation (Socso) panel clinics will now receive free medical care, effective this year, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim.
Sim said that all 1,400 Socso panel clinics nationwide would provide free treatment to eligible workers, describing the initiative as an “ang pow” for them.
Previously, workers had to pay between RM150 and RM200 for treatment at these clinics before seeking reimbursement from Socso.
“In 2024, claims processed by Socso for visits to panel clinics totalled RM8 million, involving 20,000 cases,” he said.
“I would like to announce that from this year onwards, all workers with Socso (coverage) can walk into the panel clinics to seek treatment and they don’t have to pay a dime,” Sim said at a Chinese New Year event jointly organised by his ministry and Socso yesterday evening.
“Socso will pay the clinics. This move will make it easier for our low-income workers to access medical treatment.”
Sim added that the initiative would also benefit employers who have been covering their employees’ medical expenses.
“I hope this good news will be an ang pow for our workers this year.
“We (the Human Resources Ministry) hope to facilitate and ease the lives of both workers and employers this year,” he said.
Later, a Socso official clarified that the free treatment would only apply to workers affected by employment-related illnesses or accidents, including those sustained while commuting to and from work. – February 8, 2025