Sepat offshore tragedy: Families of 3 workers to receive Perkeso benefits

KUALA LUMPUR: The families of three workers who perished in the Sepat offshore platform tragedy are eligible to receive benefits from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said checks by Perkeso’s Prihatin Squad found that all the victims had active contribution records under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969.

He said the family of the late Ahmad Fiqri Zakaria was entitled to Dependants’ Benefit and Funeral Management Benefit based on his contribution records.

“The deceased’s widow, Siti Aisyah Ahmad, 38, will receive monthly Dependants’ Benefit payments for life, while their 10-year-old son will receive the benefit until he turns 21 or completes his first degree, whichever comes first.

“In total, the family will receive RM5,355 monthly under the Dependants’ Benefit scheme, in addition to a one-off RM3,000 Funeral Management Benefit,” he said.

Ramanan said the widow and infant son of the late Muhammad Faezuan Hakim Mohammad Bustamam were also eligible for similar benefits.

He said the deceased’s wife, Nurkhaeryna Dhania Azreen Khairil Azri, 28, who is seven months pregnant, would receive monthly Dependants’ Benefit payments of RM3,105 for life, while their children will be covered until they turn 21 or complete their first degree.

“They will also receive a one-off RM3,000 Funeral Management Benefit,” he said.

Ramanan said the late Nik Muhammad Hafifi Asri Ab Majid was an orphan and unmarried.

“As all seven of his siblings have exceeded the qualifying age for monthly benefits, a one-off RM3,000 Funeral Management Benefit will be channelled to his elder brother as next of kin to assist with funeral arrangements,” he said.

Ramanan said Perkeso was also monitoring the condition of sole survivor Muhammad Taufik Mohd Ruslan, 37, who is receiving treatment at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah after sustaining serious injuries.

“For now, he is eligible for Temporary Disablement Benefit while undergoing treatment, with the amount to be finalised,” he said.

He added that Perkeso was finalising documentation with employers and next of kin to ensure swift disbursement of all benefits.

Ramanan also extended condolences to the victims’ families, saying the assistance reflected the government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ welfare and that of their dependants.

On Sunday, it was reported that three men were killed and another injured in an accident during an emergency evacuation drill using a lifeboat at an oil rig off the Terengganu-Pahang coast.

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المصدر: New Straits Times