PETALING JAYA: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has urged all workers to make monthly contributions, as they stressed the importance of being protected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

       Socso cited a recent incident, where Star Media Group staff member Bannet Ankiah passed away at the age of 58 on Tuesday (Sept 7), after being infected with Covid-19 for more than a month.

       Socso said its Caring Squad took proactive measures by acquiring relevant information regarding Bannet, and aid was immediately transferred to his family, which included a RM2,000 cheque for funeral expenses.

       "His widow was grateful and she didn’t expect to receive aid from Socso. In addition, his family is also eligible for his pension.

       "Therefore, we urge all workers in the country to make their contributions to Socso, so that you and your family will be protected.

       "We at Selangor Socso care for all of our contributors who were affected by the pandemic.”

       In late July, Bannet was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but succumbed to Covid-19 on Sunday after more than a month.

       He is survived by his mother Sarah Tanimalai, wife Agnes Vathumalai, and three children – Jazeel, Neysha and Naomi, aged 10, 14 and 20 respectively.