24-Hour Protection: Veterinarian Assistant Seriously Bitten by Cat Eligible for Benefits

PETALING JAYA: A veterinary assistant is eligible to receive benefits under the 24-Hour Protection scheme, after being bitten by a stray cat which resulted in serious injury to her finger on 24 June.

The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) informed that Noor Ami Athirah Mohd Isa, 26, sustained an injury to her right index finger due to a bite from a stray cat that entered her house in Taman Sri Serdang, Seri Kembangan.

The incident occurred at 8 pm when Noor Ami caught a stray cat that had entered her house and damaged items in the kitchen.

“While trying to control the situation, Noor Ami caught the stray cat and the animal bit her index finger until the bone was visible.

“She then immediately sought treatment at a clinic before her case was referred to Serdang Hospital. Upon arrival at Serdang Hospital, she underwent surgery on the same day due to the serious injury sustained,” the organisation said in a statement today.

As a result of the incident, Noor Ami was placed on medical leave from 24 June to 31 July, and Perkeso’s verification confirmed that she is covered under the Non-Work Accident Scheme (SKBBK) or 24-Hour Protection.

Thus, Noor Ami will receive income replacement payments for her entire medical leave period of 38 days, amounting to RM684.

“She is eligible to claim reimbursement for medical expenses incurred. If she has not recovered, she can submit additional medical leave to extend the payment of Temporary Disability Benefit (FHUS) to allow her to focus on fully recovering before returning to work.

“Such cases actually happen frequently, but previously they were not covered by Perkeso. With the enforcement of 24-Hour Protection, even if your finger is bitten by a cat, you are still protected, and it is not just that case; many other cases will be covered,” according to Perkeso.

Meanwhile, a factory worker who fell into a coma due to an accident while riding a motorcycle to visit his sick sister at Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR), Klang, is also eligible to receive benefits under the 24-Hour Protection scheme.

The victim, Noor Faais Azali, 39, who works as an operator, has been an active Perkeso contributor since 5 May 2014. He was involved in an accident on 6 June while on his way to the hospital for personal matters, which caused severe head injuries and he was confirmed to be in a coma.

“Verification results found that he is eligible to receive FHUS, and a payment of RM1,008 has been approved and processed for the period from 6 June to 31 July.

“Since his medical leave has been extended until 26 October, Perkeso will continue to pay the benefits with an estimated total of RM2,574,” the statement said.

In addition to income replacement payments, Perkeso is also providing rehabilitation equipment including a patient bed, Reclining Wheelchair 18, Ripple Mattress, Suction Machine, as well as milk and disposable diapers (pampers) on a regular basis, with the total value of assistance estimated at more than RM5,500.

Elaborating further, Perkeso explained that the organisation introduced the 24-Hour Protection scheme to address the gaps that existed in the country’s social protection system.

“Previously, many complained that their accident claims were rejected because the cases were not work-related. We hope that after this, there will be no more such complaints received,” the organisation said.

Kosmo Online