By Mohd Noor Iqram Rosli
KOTA BHARU, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Although the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on March 8, 2014, remains unsolved, its impact is still deeply felt by next-of-kin who have had to carry on without their loved ones.
For these families, the 12-year absence has not only left an empty void in their lives but has also brought significant challenges to their financial stability.
Amid these trials over the past decade, benefits under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) have served as a crucial support system for eligible next-of-kin, particularly through the Dependants' Benefit (FOT) under the Employment Injury Scheme of the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).
The scheme provides continuous financial security to families who have lost their breadwinners to employment injuries, helping dependants cover basic household expenses and fund their children’s education.
One recipient, Nurlaila Ngah, 52, said that following the loss of her husband, Wan Swaid Wan Ismail, she had to raise their three school-going children alone after the family's sole pillar vanished in an instant.
“I am grateful my husband contributed to SOCSO while serving as a flight steward with Malaysia Airlines since 1995. Even though he has not been found, his children receive SOCSO benefits as the incident was categorised as an employment injury.
“We have received more than RM2,500 a month through this benefit since 2014, and the assistance has supported us in carrying on with life and managing daily expenses,” she told Bernama recently.
Nurlaila said that although her three children are now aged 20, 22, and 24 and pursuing tertiary education, they continue to receive the monthly assistance under conditions set by SOCSO.
“In our situation, social security protection plays a vital role when a family member suffers a workplace misfortune.
“SOCSO safeguards our welfare as workers, ensuring our dependants are taken care of if anything happens to us. At the very least, it eases the family's burden to move forward, especially when the children want to pursue higher education,” said Nurlaila, who now lives in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.
Meanwhile, Norazlinda Ayub, 51, the wife of flight steward Junaidi Mohd Kassim, said the monthly benefit of more than RM2,700 helps ease household expenses, particularly the daily needs of her two children who are studying at tertiary institutions.
“After losing my husband, I had to stay strong and rebuild my life for the children. I work in the unit trust industry, so I do not have a salaried 9 am to 5 pm job because my income depends on my own efforts.
“As a mother, I am grateful for my husband's contributions since he worked with Malaysia Airlines around 1997. It has greatly assisted me in providing for my two children, who are now aged 20 and 23, for their studies,” said Norazlinda, who also contributes under SOCSO’s Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (Lindung Kendiri).
Norazlinda, who lives in Shah Alam, Selangor, said making contributions is not merely a financial commitment but an essential effort to protect oneself and one's family, adding that preparations must begin now as unforeseen hardships cannot be predicted.
“I hope more people, especially those who are self-employed, in business, or working on commission, learn about SOCSO protection.
“Do not assume this protection is only for salaried employees. We may feel financially capable today, but we never know what tomorrow brings,” she said.
Meanwhile, SOCSO deputy chief executive (operations) Azirruan Arifin said there were 50,945 active dependants receiving the FOT benefit under Act 4 as of Aug 31, 2026.
“Among the assistance provided are periodic benefit payments at a daily rate equivalent to 90 per cent of the worker's assumed average daily wage, subject to a minimum of RM30 and a maximum of RM178.50 per day, as well as eligibility conditions.
“Coverage for next-of-kin includes eligible widows or widowers, children, and other qualified dependants under statutory provisions,” he said.
Azirruan added that education benefits include study loans for eligible dependent children, while the funeral benefit provides a one-off payment of RM3,000 to cover funeral costs, subject to actual expenses and stipulated conditions.
-- BERNAMA