KUALA LUMPUR, Freelance media practitioners (stringers) who contribute to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) will be protected and receive numerous benefits in the event of an accident while on duty, said PERKESO deputy chief executive officer (Operations), John Riba Marin. He said that among the protections provided under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SESSS) for eligible individuals are free medical and rehabilitation benefits, as well as basic necessities. 'If permanent disability occurs, PERKESO will refer the case to a panel of doctors to determine the extent of the permanent disability and subsequently, compensation payments if the situation is severe. In cases of paralysis, PERKESO will provide periodic payments for life. 'There are many other advantages that recipients of this protection can enjoy. So, this is actually very important. At the very least, we are talking about protection at the most basic level for every worker in the country,' he told Bernama today. He said this at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and PERKESO to expand social protection for stringers at Wisma Bernama. The MoU was signed by Bernama Chief Executive Officer Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin on behalf of Bernama, while John Riba Marin represented PERKESO, with the signing witnessed by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. Also present were Fahmi's deputy Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative industry) Nik Kamarulzaman Nik Husin, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. The MoU is a government initiative to enhance its social protection programme, particularly for media practitioners who constantly face various challenges while performing their duties. The SESSS will benefit 493 freelance media practitioners from 45 media organisations across the country, with a contribution rate of RM232.80 per individual for a period of one year, starting from July 1, 2024. Source: BERNAMA News Agency