For many Malaysians, monthly contributions to PERKESO are seen as a safety net, something to rely on when things go wrong.
But for one man, that trust was shaken after his wife’s invalidity pension application was rejected not once, but twice.
“25 years contributing… still got rejected”
In a Threads post that has since gone viral, the man shared how his wife had been working and contributing to PERKESO for over 25 years.
Things took a turn when she was diagnosed with chronic slip disc, a condition that eventually made it difficult for her to continue working.
According to him, a doctor had already confirmed in a medical report that she was no longer fit to work, and even recommended that she apply for invalidity pension.
However, both her initial application and second appeal were rejected.
When the doctor already confirmed she can’t work anymore… PERKESO just rejected it like that. Even the second appeal was rejected.”
The situation left him confused about what qualifies someone for assistance.
Does it mean you have to be completely paralysed and unable to walk before you’re considered eligible?”
Struggles with even basic movement
He went on to describe how his wife’s condition affects her daily life.
She is unable to stand, walk, or sit for long periods, and only finds relief when lying down or taking painkillers.
Despite undergoing physiotherapy for years, her condition has not improved.
What frustrated him further was that after rejecting the application, PERKESO reportedly suggested rehabilitation instead, stating that she is still relatively young at 44 and could do light work.
But the doctor’s report already stated she’s not fit to work.”
“We’re too tired to keep appealing”
After going through two rounds of appeals, the man admitted that they have grown exhausted from the process.
He shared that they were told to wait six months before reapplying again.
We’re just tired of dealing with all the back-and-forth… going to hospitals, handling paperwork.”
Eventually, the couple decided to stop pursuing the application altogether.
We’ve accepted it… maybe there’s something better planned for us.”
Still, he expressed frustration, saying PERKESO officers should witness his wife’s condition themselves to understand what she goes through daily.
PERKESO clarifies: Not based on one report alone
Following the viral post, PERKESO responded publicly to explain how the evaluation process works.
According to them, eligibility for invalidity pension is not determined by a single medical report or diagnosis.
Instead, each case is assessed comprehensively by a Medical Board Panel made up of qualified experts, based on criteria set under the Act.
They added that:
- Invalidity pension is only granted to contributors with severe and permanent disability
- The assessment looks at overall ability to work, not just the illness itself
- Every application goes through a detailed evaluation and appeal process
PERKESO also encouraged the man to contact them directly or visit a nearby office so they can review his wife’s case in more detail.
View on Threads
Malaysians divided over the case
The post quickly sparked discussions online, with netizens sharing mixed reactions.
Some sympathised with the couple, questioning whether the system is too rigid and disconnected from real-life struggles.
Others pointed out that strict criteria are necessary, as the pension is meant for individuals who are completely unable to work.
View on Threads
