KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 598 high-profile individuals, including VIPs, MPs and state assemblymen, have been identified for failing to contribute to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) for their domestic workers.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the figure was part of 10,033 employers found to have failed to fulfil their contribution obligations, based on Socso’s preliminary checks as at Nov 1, Bernama reported.
Asked whether any ministers were among those who had failed to comply, Ramanan revealed that even individuals holding positions higher than Cabinet members had been identified.
“Some are even higher than ministers… (the 598 high-profile individuals) include those holding important positions in the public and private sectors… KESUMA (Human Resources Ministry) takes seriously the issue of non-compliance with Socso registration and contribution payments for domestic workers.
“This includes domestic helpers employed by high-profile individuals, VIPs, MPs, state assemblymen and any party acting as an employer,” he told a press conference on the handover of Socso benefits to victims of the Nepal floods at Menara Socso here today.
Also present were Socso Board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and Socso Group chief executive Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.
Ramanan said all employers identified, including VVIPs, had until Dec 7 to fulfil their contribution obligations, warning that enforcement action would be taken against those who continued to disregard the requirement after the deadline.
He said enforcement would begin with compounds, while employers who continued to violate the law could face a maximum prison sentence of two years, a fine of RM10,000, or both, upon conviction.
“We do not want to embarrass anyone… please check whether you have paid or not… if you have paid, thank you… if you have not, please make the payment… no one is above the law… the law applies to everyone without exception.
“We cannot talk about workers’ welfare and rights when we have failed to fulfil even the most basic responsibilities towards the workers in our own homes… leadership by example must begin with compliance with the law,” he said.
Ramanan also disclosed that another 26,669 employers had outstanding contribution records requiring further verification and follow-up action by Socso.
He said he had instructed the organisation to take a firm approach in strengthening monitoring and enforcement against employers who failed to meet their obligations.
However, Ramanan stressed that the primary objective was not to impose compounds or fines, but to ensure domestic workers received the social security protection they were entitled to. – November 4, 2026