What is SOCSO?
As a Malaysian employee, you’ll find three types of contributions on your payslip known as EPF, EIS and SOCSO. These contributions are paid for by you and your employer.
SOCSO stands for Social Security Organisation, and often referred to as PERKESO – Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial. It’s a government agency formed under the Ministry of Human Resources in 1971.
As stated under the Employee’s Social Security Act 1969, all private companies are required to register with SOCSO in Malaysia.
What is the purpose of SOCSO?
SOCSO provides social security protection to employees in the private sector in terms of cash and benefits in the event of workplace injuries, occupational sickness, emergencies, and death.
Both employers and employees are encouraged to contribute to SOCSO payments. Employees pay a smaller portion depending on their income, with contribution rates between 0.5% to 3%. However, SOCSO contribution is optional for employees who earn a monthly salary above RM3,000.
How to look for your SOCSO number using your IC?
For Malaysian residents, your SOCSO number is the same as your IC number. If you want to confirm your SOCSO number, you can call the agency’s hotline at 1300-22-8000. Alternatively, you can also check your payslip – your SOCSO number should be there. As a last resort, you can speak to a representative on the PERKESO website. Foreign workers in Malaysia don’t have to contribute to SOCSO, and is covered by their employers.
Who is eligible for SOCSO?
Employees under 60 years old, working for a private company in Malaysia are eligible for SOCSO.
Here’s a list of those who don’t qualify for SOCSO coverage:
- Those who are self-employed
- Sole proprietors, owners of a partnership and their partners
- Domestic servants/ workers
- Permanent employees of the Federal and State Government
What benefits does SOCSO provide?
Designed to work with the SOPs you already use. Tailored for Malaysian & Singapore businesses.