Grace period for employers to register foreign workers till 31 March 2019: SOCSO

Malaysia's Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) has granted a grace period to employers who have yet to register their foreign workers under the organisation.

Chief Executive Officer of SOCSO, Dato' Sri Dr. Mohammed Azman Bin Dato’ Aziz Mohammed, said in a Facebook post that the amnesty period will be from 1 March 2019 to 31 March 2019, before the 11th Ops Kesan campaign is launched on 1 April 2019.

Employers who register their employees and voluntarily contribute to SOCSO in March will not face fines and legal actions. Further, this grace period is extended to late payment contributions under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) and Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800).

Dr Azman Aziz said: "I want to make it very clear. After the amnesty period ending 31st March 2019, no 'discount' will be given for employers who still do not abide by Act 4 and Act 800.

"After this date, no compromise will be given to any employer, regardless if they are a small business or a large company."

ALSO READ: Malaysian employers to register foreign workers under SOCSO from 1 Jan 2019

According to The Star Online, speaking at a press conference yesterday (25 February), Dr Azman Aziz said about 10% to 14% of the 9,487 Ops Kesan 2018 visits were unregistered. Most of these organisations were small and medium enterprises.

The Star Online also added since the start of Ops Kesan 2019 up till 31 December last year, 19,253 compounds worth over RM14.14 million have been issued to employers who failed to register their organisations and employees.

Ops Kesan 2019 will involve about 500 enforcement staff and will take place nationwide until the end of the year to take action against unregistered employers.

Dr Azman Aziz stressed: "The failure of employers to register businesses and workers in the stated time given can be met with fines of up to RM5,000 depending on the situation. We strongly urge all employers to come forward and register during this amnesty period or face the consequences."

In November last year, SOCSO announced that employers would have to register their foreign workers under it for extended social security.

Photo / 123RF