Perkeso claims could surge by up to 200% a year due to new schemes, says minister

IPOH: The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) expects annual claims to rise by as much as 200% from 170,000 cases a year, says human resources minister R Ramanan.

He said the projected increase is in line with the implementation of protection schemes such as LINDUNG 24 Jam, the Gig Workers Act 2025, and the Traveller Scheme, which is currently in development.

“This surge will require more efficient and integrated rehabilitation service capacity.

“Through the development of this centre (the Sultan Nazrin Shah Perkeso Rehabilitation Centre), we aim to transform the country’s rehabilitation landscape in tandem with technological advancements and the growing need for a more dynamic rehabilitation approach,” he said in his speech at the opening of the Sultan Nazrin Shah Perkeso Rehabilitation Centre in Meru Raya here today.

Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah opened the centre, which was previously known as the Perkeso Neuro-Robotic Rehabilitation and Cybernics Centre.

Ramanan said his ministry was confident that Perkeso’s rehabilitation ecosystem could become a critical component to ensure that contributors are not only protected through financial benefits, but are also given comprehensive rehabilitation opportunities to return to work and continue contributing to the economy.

On the Sultan Nazrin Shah Perkeso Rehabilitation Centre, he said the facility, which has a treatment capacity of up to 700 patients at any one time, can benefit 3,000 patients annually.

“Since the rehabilitation centre commenced operations in July 2025, a total of 1,095 patients have received treatment for major conditions, including accidents, occupational diseases, spinal cord injuries, and non-communicable diseases such as stroke,” he said.

He said the centre, built at a total cost of approximately RM1 billion, is the largest rehabilitation facility in Southeast Asia.

The centre also houses the largest number of Cyberdyne hybrid assistive limb units in the world. Through a strategic collaboration between Perkeso and Cyberdyne Inc of Japan, 65 Cyberdyne devices comprising lower limb, single joint, and lumbar units have been made available for patients undergoing treatment.