@ green | April-May, 2025

OPINION 29

A tech company supporting B40 women through YKNM builds goodwill while diversifying its ESG portfolio

Recognising this vulnerability, Malaysia’ s Social Security Organization( PERKESO) introduced the Housewives’ Social Security Scheme( SKSSR), a transformative initiative offering financial protection.

Beyond safeguarding households, SKSSR presents a unique opportunity for corporations to align with global Environmental, Social, and Governance( ESG) principles, demonstrating how businesses can drive social equity while achieving measurable returns through corporate social responsibility( CSR) initiatives.

The SKSSR scheme is a lifeline for homemakers, providing annual coverage for accidents, disabilities, or deaths occurring outside formal employment. For families already stretched thin, even this modest contribution can be unaffordable.

This gap creates a critical

BY KESEVAN RARUSURAMAN Founding Member of Malaysian Association Public Advocacy for Nature( MAPAN)

contributing role for corporate sponsors. By partnering with the National Welfare Foundation( YKNM), companies can sponsor SKSSR contributions for female employees, their spouses, or vulnerable B40 women in the community.

Consider the story of Puan Amina, a mother of three in Kuala Lumpur. A severe burn from a cooking accident left her unable to work or afford medical care. With corporate-sponsored SKSSR coverage, Amina’ s medical bills were covered, her children’ s education remained uninterrupted, and her family avoided financial distress. A story like this underscores the profound impact of a monthly payment of RM120 under SKSSR.

Corporations that subscribe to SKSSR achieve three key outcomes: enhanced social equity, governance excellence, and reputational leadership. Caring for marginalised communities reduces poverty risks and empowers families to thrive. Transparent partnerships with PERKESO and YKNM demonstrate ethical governance aligning with global ESG reporting standards.

Meanwhile, purpose-driven brands attract talent, investors, and consumers who prioritise social responsibility. A manufacturing firm sponsoring SKSSR for its female workforce, for instance, not only safeguards employees’ well-being but also positions itself as an employer of choice. Similarly, a tech company supporting B40 women through YKNM builds goodwill while diversifying its ESG portfolio.

Malaysia’ s national agenda to“ leave no one behind” mirrors global ESG priorities, making SKSSR sponsorship a dual opportunity to support both local policies and international frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development

Goals( SDGs), by alleviating pressure on public welfare systems, corporate contributions free government of funds for sustainable infrastructure, education, and healthcare developments.

Participation is straightforward. Corporations can choose between two pathways: tax-exempt sponsorship through YKNM or direct contribution via PERKESO. The former allows companies to sponsor B40 women employees’ dependents or external beneficiaries while claiming full tax deductions.

Without tax incentives, direct payment to PERKESO is for the welfare of the firm’ s employees. Both options integrate seamlessly into companies existing CSR frameworks, requiring minimal administrative effort. Either of the two contributions is managed through PERKESO’ s platform, with YKNM providing receipts for tax exemption, ensuring transparency and ease.

Despite its potential benefits, many corporations remain unaware of the SKSSR scheme. For RM10 per month per beneficiary, companies can secure lifelong protection for women while enjoying a tax break. This initiative represents a valuable alignment of ethical duty and business pragmatism for a chance to transform CSR budgets into catalysts for national progress.

In a world where ESG performance defines corporate success, SKSSR sponsorship offers a tangible way to address inequality, uphold governance, and contribute to Malaysia’ s sustainable future.

The SKSSR scheme exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful social transformation. Corporations embracing this initiative do more than comply with ESG trends as they lead a movement toward inclusive growth.

By safeguarding women’ s contributions to households and the economy, businesses honour PERKESO’ s vision of social security“ from cradle to grave” while cementing their legacy as champions of social justice. Every RM120 contribution is a step toward a caring Malaysia where no woman is left behind. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit PERKESO’ s website or email perkeso @ perkeso. gov. my.

Together, let’ s build a sustainable future where corporate success and social protection go hand in hand.