THE Penang News Vendors and Book Sellers Association (PNBA) is appealing to the local presses to help newspaper vendors and sub-vendors purchase insurance policies.

Association president P. Krishnan hoped that the press companies would support the vendors in purchasing insurance policies that cover natural and accidental deaths, as well as total permanent disability (TPD).

“We hope they can contribute to our welfare fund so we can help our members buy insurance policies,” he said, adding that about RM20,000 was needed for that purpose.

Speaking at the annual Penang News Vendors and Book Sellers Association dinner at the Caring Society Complex on Sunday, Krishnan said the association also welcomed any financial assistance from the local presses to help its members and their families during trying times.

“Last year, we gave over RM10,000 to the families of vendors who died or met with accidents,” he said.

Krishnan also mentioned that several vendors had been robbed when distributing newspapers during the early morning.

“We hope the police can send out more patrolling officers during the early hours to deter such crimes,” he said.