Widow of crane supervisor killed at work granted lifelong benefits

KUALA LUMPUR – The wife of a crane supervisor, who died during maintenance on a ladle crane, is entitled to a lifelong monthly dependent’s benefit from the Social Security Organisation (Socso).

The widow A. Komlah qualifies for the monthly benefit of 2,673 Malaysian ringgit along with the one-time benefit of RM2,000 to assist with the worker’s funeral costs. The benefits are covered by the Employment Disaster Scheme, according to Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

The decision follows an assessment by Socso confirming that the worker, S. Muniandy, 51, had been consistently contributing to the employees’ social security system. Muniandy passed away on 5 May after a fall from over 20 metres while performing maintenance on a ladle crane at a manufacturing facility.

“An evaluation by Socso found that the deceased’s three children have all exceeded the age of 21, hence only the widow is eligible to receive the benefits,” the official said.

Sim also stated that besides financial support, Socso will help the couple's eldest daughter, M. Gajeswari, 27, secure a new job through the national job portal MYFutureJobs. This assistance comes after she resigned from her position in Kuala Lumpur to look after her mother.