Dr Kelvin Yii (PH-Bandar Kuching) said unpaid care work such as childcare, eldercare and care for family members with disabilities often goes unrecognised despite its critical role in supporting families and communities.
“Expanding the SKSSR to include this type of work would provide much-needed social protection for individuals, particularly women, who provide essential care without pay,” he told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the Supply Bill 2025.
Yii warned that those involved in unpaid care work would be vulnerable to poverty, particularly in old age.
“If these roles remain unprotected, the financial burden on families and communities will increase as they struggle to support individuals without retirement savings or stable employment.
“Ensuring those involved in these jobs are protected will help close the gender inequality gap, reduce reliance on family financial support and contribute to greater financial stability in the long run,” he added.
He also said that failing to expand the SKSSR could further perpetuate gender injustice, “leaving millions without a safety net”.
“This can place a strain on public health and social welfare systems, as many unpaid caregivers will ultimately require government support if they lack personal savings or insurance.”
The SKSSR, established under the Housewives’ Social Security Act 2022, aims to safeguard housewives from illnesses, accidents and unforeseen circumstances that could result in permanent disability or incapacity that might impact their ability to manage the household.
The scheme requires a contribution of RM120 to be paid in advance for 12 consecutive months.
Contributions can be made on behalf of the housewife by her spouse, family or any third party.
Eligibility criteria for the SKSSR include being a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident, and being under the age of 55. For initial registration, the housewife’s age must not exceed 54 years.
SKSSR benefits include medical coverage, payment of up to RM30,000 in case of permanent disability and a RM300 monthly allowance for homemakers who suffer from a permanent medical condition that prevents her from performing a majority of household chores.
Other coverage includes RM250 in monthly allowance for housewives who become severely incapacitated that they require personal assistance, as well as a survivors’ pension for eligible dependents if the housewife dies before she is 55 years of age.