LETTER | I read with dismay news reports that only 11,000 of the 250,000 taxi and e-hailing drivers nationwide have contributed to Socso since November last year. I am an e-hailing driver myself and I have started contributing since almost from the start.

I believe the lukewarm response to this well-thought-out scheme is typical Malaysian apathy. The monthly contribution is only as low as RM13.10 per month. The paperwork involved in making the contribution is rather easy.

But despite this, Malaysians' tidak apa attitude is so disappointing. Even the threat of a RM4,000 compound or other penalties if these drivers still do not contribute to Socso after July 12 this year does not seem enough to knock sense into their heads.

Firstly, it's not worth being fined RM4,000 when the monthly contribution is just less than RM15. The risks far outweigh the small savings. Besides, it's foolish for drivers to think that they can evade the authorities.

Drivers leave digital footprints such as receipts of payment from e-hailing or taxi companies. It will not be difficult for the authorities to track down the errant drivers who refuse to contribute.

But more importantly, the Socso contribution offers a crucial safety net for drivers. Contributors are eligible for benefits like the invalidity scheme. They provide contributors and their families a lifeline when mishaps happen.

I speak from experience. A fellow e-hailing driver from our WhatsApp group was a victim of a hit-and-run in last September after dropping off a passenger in Bandar Baru Bangi. Not only was his vehicle totalled, he spent three weeks in the ICU and doctors said he's unlikely to be able to walk again.

In the meantime, his family does not have any income as his wife had passed away some years back. His savings are almost non-existent. The insurance benefit for him and his three young children did not amount to much. In fact. the insurance claim involved a long and tedious process.

Had he been able to claim from Socso, his financial burden would have been alleviated. This was why I was thrilled when I learned that taxi and e-hailing drivers could contribute to Socso - and be covered by its benefits.

I hope this experience of this driver will spur more drivers to contribute to Socso - for their own sake.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.