KAPIT, Aug 5 – Rural folk working in the private sector are advised to join the Social Security Organisation (Socso) for the various protection schemes it provides for members.
Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said Socso in fact provided better services and coverage than some insurance companies.
He said this before presenting its funeral benefit of RM1,500 to Lily Duren, 39, whose husband Tujoh Lah drowned when the “Kawan Mas” express boat crashed into a floating log and developed engine problem before capsizing at the Bungan Rapid, near Belaga, on May 28.
The boat which was licensed to carry 75 passengers was overloaded with 219 people, mostly timber camp workers rushing home to celebrate the annual Gawai Dayak Festival on June 1.
Two others died in the incident.
Nanta also presented a cheque for RM883.50, which is the monthly Dependant Benefit payment to Lily to support her six schoolgoing children until her youngest child, Selfa Tujoh, who is now five years old turns 21.
Meanwhile, he advised rural folk to always rally behind the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
He said Najib himself was a caring leader and whatever promises his government made would be delivered to the people.
On the proposed Belaga/Merit/Kapit road for the area, Nanta said it would materialise and in fact, some landowners affected by the project had received their compensation money.
Hulu Rajang member of parliament Wilson Ugak Kumbong who was present, said the “Kawan Mas” tragedy exposed the actual weakness in communication faced by the state’s rural communities.
He gave the assurance that the government would find ways and means to improve the situation.
– BERNAMA
