Unregistered Foreign Workers’ Social Security

(Kuala Lumpur, November 1) – The Social Security Organization (SOCSO) Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Seri Azman, announced today that the organization has launched the 2024 “Foreign Worker Operation” (Ops Kesan Pekerja Asing 2024) to track down employers who have not registered their foreign workers under the social security scheme.

According to Azman, data from the Immigration Department shows that Malaysia currently has over 2.4 million foreign workers. As of September 30, approximately 88% (2.188 million) of these workers are registered under SOCSO, while an estimated 300,000 foreign workers remain unregistered.

During the press conference, Azman was joined by Azruan and Hairiri, who are actively involved in leading the 2024 “Foreign Worker Operation.” Azman explained that SOCSO has historically conducted regular inspections, and from today, these inspections will be coordinated alongside the foreign worker operation.

Azman added that SOCSO’s inspection data from 2009 to October this year revealed that 24,801 fines were issued to employers who failed to register their employees under SOCSO, totaling RM19.1 billion in fines. Additionally, during this period, 25,574 employers were prosecuted for violating various laws.

“Employers who fail to register their employees for social security will be prosecuted under relevant laws, including the Employees’ Social Security Act of 1969. Upon conviction, they may face up to two years of imprisonment or a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.”

The newly launched “Foreign Worker Operation,” as well as the inspection of employers, will be conducted jointly with other enforcement agencies such as the Immigration Department and the police.

When questioned on the potential impact of strict enforcement on industries like construction, Azman highlighted the responsibility toward workers’ welfare: “If a foreign worker loses their life while on the job, who will take responsibility for the family they leave behind? Since the Employees’ Social Security Act was established, it is not right to enforce it solely for local workers while excluding foreign workers, creating a double standard.”

Those attending the press conference included SOCSO Deputy CEO (Enforcement) Azruan and Foreign Workers Division Director Hairiri.