By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Dec 31 — The Roda Darul Ehsan (RiDE) initiative that helps to provide RM50 in contribution to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) for on-call e-hailing workers is aimed at inculcating a culture of saving.
Mohamad Uzairi Abdullah, 28, believes the amount is not merely savings for a rainy day but serves to expose and encourage the sector’s workers to the importance of saving for the future.
“I have never actually had an EPF account, so I was not too concerned before. With the exposure through RiDE, it was an eye-opener to know that we can actually contribute to EPF ourselves.
“It is good this programme continues for as many as possible, starting from a young age. Many remain unaware the state government has a variety of beneficial initiatives for the people,” he said when contacted.
Meanwhile, Azuaie Abd Hamid, 29, said the income of p-hailing workers can be uncertain, thus highlighting the importance of raising awareness over EPF contributions.
“Youths with no dependents do not yet know of the importance of saving for the future. So, this initiative will open their eyes, and of the right channel to save,” he said.
Mohd Effendi Abd Halim, 30, said he was only made aware of how gig workers can contribute to EPF by themselves once he began participating in RiDE.
“All the while I never knew, so I would say it is good that a programme such as this provides a lot of information that many may not of,” he said.
On December 24, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced that 3,000 on-call workers under RiDE will receive RM50 in EPF contributions.
He said RiDE, implemented in 2020, also provides various other benefits including contributions to the Social Security Organization (Socso), and coverage under the Insurans Am Selangor (Insan) scheme.
