Latest news with #Act4
Barnama
15-07-2025
- General
- Barnama
Sungai Korok Tragedy: Putri Qisya To Receive Two PERKESO Benefits
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The next of kin of the Sungai Korok tragedy victims is eligible to receive two benefits from the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), based on her late father's contributions. PERKESO, in a statement, said the late Mohamad Azim Izat Ishak, 31, was an active contributor under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), with his last recorded employment as a security guard. 'With his contributions, the next-of-kin, his eldest daughter Putri Qisya, is entitled to receive a one-off Funeral Management Benefit (FPM) of RM3,000 and a monthly Survivors' Pension of RM576.25 until she turns 21 or completes her first degree,' the statement read.
Malaysian Reserve
27-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Perkeso elevating prevention, rehab and job reintegration as Malaysia ages
Its strategic shift from compensation-based support to prevention and rehabilitation marks a significant evolution in its mandate by AKMAR ANNUAR THE Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) is expanding its role beyond traditional social protection to address the complex needs of older Malaysians as the country prepares to enter aged nation status by 2030. With rising life expectancy and a growing elderly population, Perkeso's strategic shift from compensation-based support to prevention and rehabilitation marks a significant evolution in its mandate. CEO Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed firmly believes that prevention should come before rehabilitation, and rehabilitation should come before compensation. 'The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, future-ready protection system that evolves with the country's demographic realities,' he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR). Malaysia is expected to become an aged nation in just five years, with 14% of its population aged 65 and above. The looming 'silver tsunami' has long been anticipated, prompting Perkeso to roll out targeted initiatives over the past decade. The organisation is committed to building an inclusive, future-ready protection system, says Dr Mohammed Azman (pic: MEDIA MULIA) Early Detection One of its earliest measures was the Health Screening Programme (HSP), launched in 2013 to detect chronic illnesses early among insured persons aged 40 and above. The HSP includes physical examinations, blood and urine tests, pap smears and mammograms for women, and mental health screening. As of April 19 this year, 883,521 individuals had benefitted from the programme. Dr Mohammed Azman said the initiative helps lower long-term healthcare costs and reduces disability risks by ensuring timely treatment and promoting healthy ageing. Private sector workers under 60 are statutorily covered under the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Pension Scheme, as provided by the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4). Those who continue working after 60 are still required to contribute to the Employ- ment Injury Scheme, with employers contributing 1.25% of monthly wages. As of March 2025, there were 342,887 active contributors aged 60 and above under Act 4. Meanwhile, self-employed and informal sector workers are covered under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789). This includes gig workers such as e-hailing drivers, delivery riders and, since January this year, hawkers and petty traders. Self-employed workers, including hawkers and petty traders, are covered under Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789) (pic: TMRpic) A total of 103,833 self-employed persons aged 60 and above are now actively covered under Act 789. Perkeso also supports job-matching and reintegration through its MyFutureJobs portal, which offers career fairs, placement programmes and upskilling opportunities. To date, 15,553 older workers from this group have been successfully placed into employment. Recent figures also show a steady increase in payouts to older contributors, reflecting rising demand for support. Under Act 4, a total of 11,437 beneficiaries aged 60 and above were recorded in 2023, followed by 9,951 in 2024 and 2,376 in the first quarter of 2025. Under Act 789, Perkeso registered 511 beneficiaries in 2023; 767 in 2024 and 237 in the first quarter of this year. Dr Mohammed Azman elaborated that Perkeso's actuarial models now account for age-specific incidence of illness, injury and disability to better estimate future liabilities. He explained that the agency is reviewing eligibility conditions, contribution rules and benefit scope to reflect the realities of a greying workforce. To manage costs, Perkeso now operates 5 of its own dialysis centres, reducing reliance on over 800 third-party providers Managing Cost One of Perkeso's biggest sustainability concerns is rising medical inflation, especially as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increase. In 2023, 29,310 insured persons were diagnosed with NCDs, a 26.5% increase from 23,174 in 2022. Perkeso has also borne the full cost of dialysis for insured individuals with end-stage kidney failure since 1999. What began as an RM1.12 million expenditure has grown to RM350 million annually. To manage costs, Perkeso now operates five of its own dialysis centres — in Klang and Shah Alam, Selangor; Kluang and Batu Pahat, Johor; and Kuala Lumpur (KL) — reducing reliance on over 800 third-party providers. Dr Mohammed Azman noted that gradual policy shifts are being considered to ensure social protection remains financially viable while meeting the health needs of a longer-living population. He added that protecting income alone is no longer sufficient — the goal is income sustainability and re-employment where possible. Perkeso Return-to-Work (RTW) programme continues to play a critical role in rehabilitating injured and disabled workers. Since 2020, 3,214 workers aged 60 and above have been referred to the programme. Of that total, 1,957 (61%) have successfully rejoined the workforce. A majority (78%) were reinstated into their pre-injury roles, while 15% started microenterprises supported by Perkeso's capital grants and advisory services. Industries with the highest RTW placements among older workers include manufacturing (21%), wholesale and retail (18%), and transport and storage (11%). In terms of job retention, 92% of cases successfully remained employed at their workplaces for a period of three months or above. To improve outcomes, Perkeso has introduced geriatric-informed case management. These plans incorporate physical, cognitive and psychological assessments and are administered by trained Disability Management Officers. Wellness modules and preventive screenings are also embedded in the rehabilitation journey. Additionally, Perkeso is formalising flexible reintegration pathways, allowing elderly workers to return on a part-time or phased basis in collaboration with employers. The agency offers mini-grants, ergonomic audits, workplace modifications and job coaching to support these transitions. It works with age-friendly employers and Human Resource Development Corp (HRDCorp) to develop training in digital literacy, modified-duty skills and entrepreneurship. To monitor the results of these reintegration and shape future policies, a centralised outcomes dashboard is being built. Despite these efforts, awareness and participation among informal and elderly workers remain low. Many senior citizens are still working in sectors such as agriculture but are not aware of their eligibility to be protected Lack of Awareness Universiti Malaya Social Wellbeing Research Centre director Prof Emer Datuk Norma Mansor said that only 26% of the estimated 1.1 million informal workers are contributing to Perkeso. 'The lack of awareness and the voluntary nature of these schemes are major hurdles,' she told TMR. She said a recent survey conducted by her centre found that 30% of Malaysians aged between 60 and 69 are still working, along with 16% of those aged between 70 and 79 and 4.5% of those over 80. Many of them are in agriculture, forestry and informal services. Yet, she said, they are not aware of their eligibility to be protected. Norma acknowledged Perkeso's outreach efforts, including public expos and campaigns, but noted that awareness gaps persist even among community leaders. 'Some community heads I spoke to did not even know elderly informal workers could enrol, and that is a problem,' she disclosed. She said while Malaysia's universal healthcare system is praiseworthy, public long-term care services remain minimal. 'Most long-term care is family-provided. We have very little institutional support or public spending in this space,' she added. Norma said Malaysia also lacks insurance options for long-term care, which leaves the elderly exposed. She explained that most private insurance policies either become void or require prohibitively high premiums once individuals reach a certain age, effectively leaving low-income elderly people without any form of financial protection. She proposed a mandatory contribution model for all working Malaysians into a national social protection fund. 'It could be small contributions — perhaps subsidised or paid by family members — but everyone should be included,' she said. Norma proposes a mandatory contribution model for all working Malaysians into a national social protection fund Norma warned that as Malaysia ages, the country could face intergenerational poverty and a shrinking workforce if ageing needs are not addressed. She said if the social protection system fails to support older individuals, their adult children may have to leave the workforce to become full-time caregivers, which would result in a significant loss to the economy. Norma called for stronger collaboration between Perkeso and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to create a more sustainable model. 'Perkeso should handle protection against illness and injury, while EPF ensures retirement income. Together, they can build a more comprehensive net,' she said. Norma also emphasised that Malaysia should benchmark against countries like Australia and New Zealand, where ageing citizens benefit from more structured social and eldercare systems. Malaysia needs a long-term care strategy that combines public funding, community-based care and viable insurance models. 'Currently, it is left to chance. We need a national approach that considers longer lifespans, delayed retirement and chronic care needs,' she said. During the Movement Control Order (MCO), Perkeso stepped in with temporary assistance schemes for retrenched individuals. 'It was during MCO that I truly saw what Perkeso can do. It kept many afloat,' she said. She also highlighted the gap in coverage for informal workers who lack access to the Employment Insurance System (EIS). These workers are highly vulnerable and that it is time to make social protection universal, not segmented. Ageing is also not only a healthcare or welfare issue but one that cuts across economic development and social justice. 'We can no longer afford to think of ageing as a marginal issue. It is now mainstream,' she said. Beneficiaries Retirees and workers interviewed by TMR highlighted the value of Perkeso's schemes. A Komlah, a 49-year-old widow, receives RM2,673 monthly under the Dependant's Benefit scheme after her husband died in a factory accident. Perkeso also covered funeral costs and helped her daughter secure employment via MyFutureJobs. Ahmad Nasrin, a 59-year-old construction worker, was retrained and rehired as a safety supervisor after a spinal injury while former port manager Vijay Nadarajah re-entered the job market after being forcibly retired at 60. 'Sixty is the new 50. We are still capable, but there is little structured help for us,' he said. Currently, Perkeso's invalidity pension is only payable if a person becomes disabled before 60. After that, only employment-related injuries are covered, leaving gaps for age-related illnesses or disabilities post-retirement. Norma said this loophole must be addressed by evolving the legal framework to ensure continuous protection regardless of age. Perkeso has laid a strong foundation, but its role will need to be continuously expanded, reformed and strengthened to meet Malaysia's changing demographic landscape. 'Ageing with dignity means more than surviving. It means being seen, supported and secure,' Norma said. With nearly half a million older workers already under its care, Perkeso is well-positioned to anchor Malaysia's transition into an inclusive and compassionate ageing society. This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
New Straits Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sim: Bosses must settle outstanding contributions
KUALA LUMPUR: Employers who have been issued with Interest on Late Payment Contribution (ILPC) and compound now can enjoy up to 50 per cent reduction as part of the grace period initiative, which has been extended until May 31. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the reduction offer for ILPC is available to existing employers, except for those with claims for benefits and prosecution cases, as well as Compound Notice cases, including offences such as failing to register businesses/workers and failing/delaying in reporting accidents. He also announced that newly registered employers who are subjected to ILPC and compound action will be completely exempted during this grace period. "The extension period sends a message to employers who have yet to fulfil their responsibility..." said Steven Sim. "This offer involves 215,172 employers with outstanding ILPC under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) and the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800), amounting to RM100 million, as well as 198 employers who still have outstanding compound payments under both acts, totalling RM990,000. "Employers are urged to settle the ILPC and compound notices within the offer period. Failure to do so will result in prosecution action being taken after the grace period ends," Sim said at a press conference on the extension of the grace period at Perkeso Tower here yesterday. He said the extension follows encouraging response from employers and a significant increase in registrations and contributions during the implementation of the grace period. "Since the launch of the grace period this year, there has been a 40 per cent increase in employer registrations compared with the same period last year. "A total of 8,234 employers and 61,746 new employees were registered, including 46,094 local workers and 15,652 foreign workers, with 913 ILPC notices under Act 4 and Act 800 involving 433 new employers amounting to RM226,980 being exempted during this period." He said the extension of the grace period took into account the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Workers Day holidays, thus giving employers a second chance to voluntarily come forward and register. "The extension period sends a message to employers who have yet to fulfil their responsibility of registering their workers to immediately seize this opportunity, to avoid facing compounds and subsequent prosecution and ILPC charges after the period ends. "Employers who fail to do so face a compound action of up to RM5,000 depending on the offence committed, and ILPC will also be imposed due to failure to pay contributions within the stipulated period. "They can also be prosecuted in court and, if convicted, may be fined up to RM10,000 or face imprisonment of up to two years, or both."
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Severance's' Ólafur Darri Ólafsson on Cooking and Crime in ‘Reykjavik Fusion,' Hörður Rúnarsson on Breaking Away From Scandi Noir
Led by 'Severance' star Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, 'Reykjavic Fusion,' one of the highest-profile competition contenders at France's Canneseries, is described by executive producer Erik Barmack of Wild Sheep Content as ''Breaking Bad' meets 'The Bear.'' When protagonist Jónas, a gifted chef imprisoned supposedly for tax fraud, gets out and opens a restaurant backed by a crime lord, his life becomes a daily exercise in damage control, as his life spirals into crime. More from Variety Josh Holloway Says His 'Answer Is Always Yes' to J.J. Abrams as 'Lost' Duo Reunites for Crime Thriller 'Duster' Creator of the Original 'Bad Sisters,' Malin-Sarah Gozin Talks Canneseries Hot Ticket 'Dead End': 'What if We're the Serial Killers of Our Planet?' Wild Bunch TV Boards Spanish Crime Thriller Series 'The Clan Olimpia' Starring 'Carmen y Lola' Breakout as Housewife-Turned-Ringleader (EXCLUSIVE) All Jonas wants is to develop his passion for haute cuisine, featuring 'Icelandic ingredients cooked Asian style, with all kinds of secret twists,' as he explains to his fellow cons. But he's soon a reluctant accomplice to murder and drowning with debt, jeopardizing his parole, life, and loved ones. Chic, sleak, fast-paced, packed with action near unprecedented in Icelandic series such as car chases, 'Rekjavik Fusion' plays out on a far larger canvas than nearly all Icelandic series. Next to U..S/Icelandic star Ólafsson whose 100-plus credits range from 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty' and 'True Detective' to 'Trapped,' the Icelandic cast takes in Hera Hilmar ('Mortal Engines,' 'The Oath') as Mary, an unpredictable side-kick to the crime lord Kristján (Thröstur Leo Gunnarsson, 'Driving Mum') and his ex-fiancée Katrín, played by Lára Jóhanna Jónsdóttir ('Trapped'). Teaming with Erik Barmack's Wild Sheep Content, the show is the first project produced by Act4, Ólafsson's banner set up in 2023 with producer Hörður Rúnarsson, creator-writer of the show, co-creator and writer Birkir Blær Ingólfsson and writer Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson. Alongside Icelandic commissioner Síminn and co-production partner Arte, broadcasters or platforms on board include AMC Iberia, Viasat, Yle, ERR and SBS. The domestic launch is set for this fall with The Mediapro Studio Distribution handling sales. Variety sat down with Ólafsson and Rúnarsson at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes. Both talked moving away from the Scandi noir, their love for cooking and mixing U.S./European ingredients for a perfect fusion to be savored globally. This is the first Icelandic series selected for Canneseries and first Act4 project. What does this mean to you? Ólafur Darri Ólafsson: It's hugely important to have the first Icelandic series competing here and it's a big milestone for us at Act4. Getting a company off the ground is challenging but we're happy that we've managed to do it and to have our first series here two years after launch. Thanks to Hördur, Birkir, Jónas, and thanks to co-directors Samúel [Bjarki Pétursson] and Gunnar [Páll Ólafsson] who are experienced in commercials but had never done a series before, we wanted to break away from the traditional Scandi noir, do something that was a little feast, quickly edited. How did you get the idea of mixing cooking with crime? Rúnarsson: We set out to give a different flavour in terms of creatives, writing, cast and crew and we wanted a series which would be grounded in the city of I like cooking and my father was a chef. The idea for the show came originally from a conversation with a chef that I know. He was working at various restaurants and said: 'I'm doing all the hard work with other guys making all the money.' And then he said: 'I even have a friend who came out of jail and he opened a restaurant! He cooked for some bankers who were in a small security prison that would supply all the fancy ingredients. So I was like 'hum-that's an intriguing story.' Ólafsson: Yes it's anchored in reality, much more than you think. Could you describe your character, Jónas? What made him appealing to you? Ólafsson: Basically, he goes to prison for a crime that he didn't commit, but he's not innocent in the sense that he's been forced to serve time for what he's done in life. In Iceland, we have a saying for going to prison which means that you're going there to become a better person. But the irony is that prisons are a place where you actually meet real criminals. Then we wanted to explore what happens when you come out of prison. Jónas, for instance, loses his family, his fiancée has cut ties with him and he doesn't want his two kids to visit him in jail. He is full of shame. The only person that he's really in contact with is his father. We were interested in exploring that. Going to prison supposedly to become a better person, but coming out and realising that society wants nothing to do with you. In Iceland thankfully [the prison system] is a hundred times better than in the U.S., where people lose the right to vote for instance. That said, there's a lot more to the story: the dynamic with his fiancée who has a new man in her life, with the latter acting as a father to his kids, then his relationship with his kids. Also, the character of Mary [the right-hand to the criminal who loans him money to open the restaurant] is hugely entertaining. The key is how to engage the audience so that it will want to keep watching the show and root for your character. Could you expand on your multi-layered interpretation and body language which says so much more than words? Ólafsson: Well, Jonas is constantly reacting to situations. That's fun as an actor when stuff keep happening to you. I like Jónas as a multi-layered character, the fact that he's flawed. As to the physicality, it comes instinctively with every part. Generally speaking, now that you're a household name as an actor and can probably pick your roles, how do you choose them? Oláfsson: I've said it before but when I starting out in my acting career, perhaps in 2005, I worked with Stellan Skarsgård. I always looked up to him as a Scandi actor who had done everything [internationally], but kept working in Scandinavia. I picked up a lot from him. I asked him: 'Don't you want to work with the Coen Brothers? He said: 'For me, what matters most is to see if I can add value to the story that's being told. I always try to hold on to that. Then other elements come into play: who else is in it, the money, sometimes people say actors can play any part. I don't really agree with that. You can do incredible things, but there are certain parts that matter more, according to where you are in life. Anytime you do a role, you're using your experience and knowledge. In short, when I choose a part, I follow my guts. I read the story, and if I think I can make the story better then it's attractive to me. What did you dig from your inner-self to play Drummond in 'Severance' then? Ólafsson: I think there was a lot (laughs)! I was actually thinking of the people who terrify me when I was playing Drummond. We have a certain government now in the U.S., and we are in an interesting place where some people seem to be true believers and would do anything for a certain individual. I think Drummond is that kind of individual and murder would not be the least of it! That drew me to that character. It is fun as an actor to put yourself in a mindset of someone that you wouldn't necessarily be. I also did a show called 'Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue' last year [for MGM+] where I played a guy who really believes in Trump and in stolen elections. It was incredibly enjoyable. It was not about making him a stereotype. People believe in all kind of stuff and sometimes they learn the hard way that it was complete bullshit. The show is co-produced by Wild Sheep Content's Erik Barmack on one hand, and Arte on the other hand. You're like a hinge between the U.S. and Europe and you're mixing U.S. and European narratives. Would you agree with this? Rúnarsson: Absolutely. It's a combination of the two and Iceland in many ways is in between the U.S. and Europe. We look towards the U.S., although we're in the Darri, as a U.S./Icelander, do you feel also split between the two or definitely rooted in Iceland? Ólafsson: I've worked quite a bit in the U.S., but I've always kept my base in Iceland and never saw any reason for leaving. When I started working, the world had just opened up to self-tapes and people kept saying: You have to move to L.A. to break out internationally. Now, it's all changed. No one has to live in L.A. and sadly, there are far too few shoots going on there these days. With Act4, we're proud to pull together those two worlds. Going back to the show, from the first image, cooking on screen opens up our senses and appetite. I believe you had a Michelin Chef – Þráinn Freyr Vigfússon – as a consultant. How was it to work with him and do you personally love cooking? Ólafsson: Cooking is a blend between meditation and chemistry. It's the perfect thing. At the end of a working day, you go somewhere and start cooking. I usually put some good music, and if you're lucky, you open up a bottle of red and have a glass. My family loves when I cook my pasta bolognaise or boeuf bourguignon. I love eating good food, good company. What happened is that I was introduced to this chef Þráinn who runs two restaurants in Reykjavik – Óx and Sümac – and got to know him quite well. I felt he would be perfect as a consultant and he did go above and beyond, designing the whole menu for the restaurant and cooking the food on set. He was in the kitchen, making me look so good!! What's next for Act4? Ólafsson: We have a new series called 'Death of a Horse' [part of the New8 Alliance, commissioned by RÚV]. It's a murder mystery with a twist in the sense that, the murder victim is a horse. The owner makes an insurance claim and starts investigating. That creates an interesting premise as it questions our relationships to animals – cats, dogs or horses – especially in Iceland – that we consider as being part of our family and certainly a big part of our lives. Will you act in it? Ólafsson: No. I will leave it to other people. We have a wonderful pool of actors to choose from in Iceland. Jonas and Birkir are showrunners. Rúnarsson: Financing is locked and we're shooting in July. We'll soon announce our sales partner. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in May 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in May 2025
