64,773 Grab, Food Panda delivery partners register for SESSS - Zafrul

In the 62nd Implementation and Coordination Unit Between National Agencies (Laksana) report released today, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said almost all of Grab Malaysia and Food Panda delivery partners have been registered for the scheme.

"I would like to urge all service provider platforms to follow the example set by Grab Malaysia and Food Panda in ensuring the welfare of their delivery partners, and support the government's efforts by ensuring that their delivery partners are registered and protected," he said.

The scheme was an extension of PenjanaGig -- a government assistance initiative to ensure the social security and welfare of self-employed persons.

"The programme involving SOCSO and delivery services platforms is another strategic and proactive approach in realising the government's target to expand the social security net to include the self-employed, including delivery partners.

"This cooperation reflects the spirit of the 'whole of nation' approach under the National Recovery Plan," he said.

To ensure that these groups are protected and to encourage them to register, Tengku Zafrul said the government is providing assistance under plan two of the SPS Lindung protection scheme by funding the annual SESSS contribution amount of RM232.80 per person for a one-year coverage.

"Grab Malaysia and Food Panda are the first among the 133 service providers to enrol their delivery partners under SOCSO's Occupational Disaster Scheme," he added.

On another note, Tengku Zafrul said Fitch Ratings' affirmation of Malaysia's long-term foreign-currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BBB+' was a testament to the country's economic resilience against the backdrop of ongoing challenges.

It also reflected the country's strong medium-term growth prospects and fundamentals as well as a stable current account surplus, supported by diversified markets and export products, he added.