Perkeso protects against depression, schizophrenia not caused by work

The Malaysian Social Security Organization (Perkeso) offers protection for individuals experiencing mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia, even when these conditions are not directly caused by their work. This assurance comes from Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.

According to Ramanan, eligible individuals who meet the criteria for an Insured Person can access benefits including Invalidity Pension and rehabilitation assistance. This coverage extends to health cases that are not categorized as occupational diseases or directly linked to employment factors.

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Diseases that result from exposure to specific risk factors in the workplace are protected under the Employment Accidents Scheme according to the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) and are defined as Occupational Diseases.

Perkeso's framework distinguishes between occupational diseases, which stem from exposure to specific workplace risks and are covered under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), and other health conditions. The decision on whether a case qualifies as an occupational disease rests with the Special Medical Board and the Appeal Medical Board, as stipulated in Section 28 of Act 4.

However, Ramanan emphasized that for coverage, the condition must be demonstrably linked to workplace risk exposure, supported by thorough investigation and evidence. He also noted that the government continually reviews and improves health guidelines to adapt to evolving work patterns and the aging workforce, with Perkeso conducting regular training for its medical boards and organizing seminars on workplace well-being and mental health.

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However, the disease must be known to originate from exposure to risks in the workplace and be proven based on investigation and evidence of related risk exposure.