Socso wants contributions revised to protect foreigners
KUCHING: There has been a call for the status of contributions by foreign workers in Sarawak to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) to be revised.
Its Sarawak deputy director (enforcement) Farinah Japar said this is important to ensure that they are registered by their employers.
“Beginning this year, all documented foreign workers are legally protected and insured by Socso,” she said.
“Their contributions would not be based on their pay but would be cut from their employers at a rate of 1.25 per cent each,” she said.
According to her, employers must register their foreign workers with Socso. This mandatory requirement is enforced beginning this year.
She also said that in the event that an employer fails to adhere to the ruling, he/she will be charged under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) which provides for a compound fine of RM5,000 up to RM10,000 or two years’ jail or both.
“We won’t compromise with employers on this matter and routine checks will be carried out to enforce the law and to trace employers who contravene it,” she said.
“Up till June last year, a total of 139,513 employees (citizens only) have registered with Perkeso.”
Out of this number, Bintulu has around 39,575, Miri – 29,030, and Kuching has 8,651.
