Utilise grace period to register workers, Socso tells employers

SARIKEI: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has declared May as ‘Bulan Pemutihan’ (Amnesty Month) prior to embarking on ‘Ops Kesan’ this June 1.

In this regard, Socso Sarawak said the grace period from May 1 to 31 should allow all employers to register all their employees with the organisation.

“Throughout the ‘Bulan Pemutihan’, employers can go to any Socso office nearest to them and voluntarily register their workers.

“We strongly advise all employers to take advantage of this extended grace period to avoid filing in late registrations, which could result in them being issued compounds and having to bear interests imposed on late payment of contributions.

“Upon their failure to register and comply with the relevant requirements, Socso is empowered to enforce three Acts: the Employees Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4); Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800) requiring employers of one or more workers to register these employees under both Acts; and Self-employed Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789),” it said in a statement released in connection with Ops Kesan inspection on Jakar Bazaar near here on Monday.

Ops Kesan had not been conducted for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it resumes this year as the country is now transitioning into the endemic phase.

The operation is meant to ensure that every employer in the country who employs at least one employee must register with Socso and make contributions to the organisation.

Failure to do so could result in legal action being taken against them and if convicted under any of the Acts, they would face imprisonment of up to two years or slapped with a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, said Socso Sarawak.

“In addition, effective Jan 1, 2019, foreign workers must also be registered under the Social Security Act 1969.

“Again, we strongly advise all employers to take advantage of this ‘Amnesty Month’ to register their workers with Socso,” it reiterated.

The inspection on Jakar Bazaar was jointly led by Socso Sarawak director Philip Sangkan and its Sarikei office head Fenny Lim.

Throughout ‘Bulan Pemutihan’, employers can go to any Socso office nearest to them and voluntarily register their workers.

Socso Sarawak

(From right) Lim and Philip explain about Ops Kesan and ‘Bulan Pemutihan’ to a local shop-owner during the inspection on Jakar Bazaar.

Philip (left) receives a Socso registration form from a coffee-shop worker during the inspection on Jakar Bazaar. At right is Lim.