SOCSO extends Ops Pemutihan until 30 June 2026 for employers to register employees

The extension allows employers to voluntarily register their businesses and employees without legal action, while supporting efforts to expand social protection coverage across Malaysia.

Employers in Malaysia now have until 30 June 2026 to voluntarily register their businesses and employees with the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO or known as PERKESO), following an extension of the agency's Ops Pemutihan initiative.

Announced on 24 June (Wednesday), the extension provides additional time for employers who have yet to register and contribute on behalf of their employees to come forward voluntarily before enforcement measures are intensified.

According to SOCSO, the move is part of its ongoing efforts to expand social protection coverage to all workers in Malaysia, in line with the principle of ensuring that no one is left behind.

The extension follows SOCSO's announcement on 21 May of a "Whitening Month" initiative, which was originally scheduled to run until 22 June 2026. Under the programme, new employers are allowed to register and contribute for their employees voluntarily without facing legal action.

As part of its broader efforts to strengthen worker protection, SOCSO also highlighted that it expanded the existing Non-Work-Related Accident Scheme (SKBBK) from 1 June 2026. The enhancement provides workers with 24-hour protection for accidents that are not related to work.

The agency said it will continue to prioritise advocacy, education, and advisory services to help employers understand and comply with their obligations before taking enforcement action.

The extension, it added, takes into account the Aidiladha festive period, as well as the recent public holidays for Wesak Day and Agong’s Birthday. The additional time is intended to give employers another opportunity to fulfil their responsibilities and ensure employees are covered by social security protection.

The organisation also pointed to encouraging participation levels since the launch of the 2026 Whitening Month initiative.

To date, 5,289 employers have registered under the programme, along with 30,632 local workers and 14,428 foreign workers.

During the same period, SOCSO exempted 609 Late Contribution Interest (FCLB) notices issued under Act 4 and Act 800 involving new employers, amounting to RM33,630.

Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, Group Chief Executive Officer, SOCSO said the extension period also takes into consideration the implementation of the ASSIST 2.0 portal, which will introduce a range of enhancements aimed at improving convenience and efficiency for employers.

He added that SOCSO would continue to guide employers in understanding the requirements of the scheme and the registration process.

At the same time, the agency reiterated that enforcement activities will be stepped up once the extended deadline passes.

"After the expiry of Ops Pemutihan on 30 June 2026, Ops Kesan will be intensified to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act in force," he said.

SOCSO also reminded employers that failure to register and contribute for eligible employees may result in enforcement action, including compounds, FCLB, and prosecution in court in accordance with existing legislation.

With the revised deadline now set for 30 June, employers who have yet to register their workers have a final opportunity to do so voluntarily before stricter enforcement measures take effect.

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Lead image / PERKESO