GEORGE TOWN: Only 10% of the country's 3.26 million self-employed people actively contribute to PERKESO's Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (Lindung Kendiri). Azman said that only 38,358 people nationwide are contributing under the hawker sector, with Penang accounting for 13.17% or 5,053 contributors. He said these figures suggest that a significant number of small traders have yet to recognise or experience the benefits of this social protection scheme. He said that last year, PERKESO disbursed RM31.25mil in benefits to 7,693 contributors under Lindung Kendri nationwide, including 424 self-employed individuals in Penang. The MOU, signed by Azman and MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, is aimed at strengthening the social safety net, particularly for hawkers and small traders.

Source: The Star February 09, 2026 07:41 UTC