KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has directed the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to expedite benefits for two journalists injured in a road accident in Perak.
The journalists, from the New Straits Times and Bernama, were involved in the crash on Oct 25.
Speaking at the Socso Media Awards 2026 gathering, Ramanan said journalists often worked in difficult conditions to ensure accurate reporting.
“To me, matters like this cannot be taken lightly because social protection must reach those who truly need it,” he said.
“Sometimes in the rain, journalists have to be there,” he added.
He said Socso would provide the necessary protection to journalists.
“Based on the social protection we have, whatever is needed, I will make sure [Socso] provides it for all of you,” he said.
New Straits Times journalist Zahratulhayat Md Arif, 37, and Bernama journalist Nur Afiradina Arshad, 34, were injured when their car was rear-ended by a lorry in Ipoh.