598 high-profile individuals among employers failing to pay Perkeso contributions

KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 598 high-profile individuals, including prominent figures (VVIPs), members of parliament and state assemblymen, have been identified for failing to pay Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributions for their domestic workers.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the figure was part of 10,033 employers of domestic workers found to have failed to comply with the contribution requirements, based on Perkeso's preliminary checks as at Nov 1.

Asked whether any ministers were among the employers who had failed to comply, Ramanan revealed that individuals holding positions higher than Cabinet members had also been found to have committed the offence.

"Some are even higher-ranking than ministers. The 598 high-profile individuals include those holding key positions in the public and private sectors, as well as prominent figures, members of parliament, state assemblymen and other employers of domestic workers.

"The Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) views any failure to register domestic workers and pay their Perkeso contributions seriously,” he told a press conference after the presentation of Perkeso benefits to victims of the Nepal floods at Menara Perkeso here today.

Also present were Perkeso Board chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and Perkeso Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed.

Ramanan said all employers concerned, including VVIPs, had been given until Dec 7 to fulfil their contribution obligations, failing which action would be taken against them.

He said enforcement would begin with the issuance of compounds, while employers who continued to disregard the requirements could face a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

"We do not want to embarrass anyone. Please check whether you have paid or not. If you have, thank you. If you have not, please pay. No one is above the law. The law applies to everyone without exception.

"We cannot talk about workers' welfare and rights if we fail 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 been identified as having outstanding contribution records, which required further checks and follow-up action by Perkeso.

He said he had instructed Perkeso to take a firm stance in strengthening monitoring and enforcement against employers who failed to fulfil their responsibilities, adding that the main objective was not to impose compounds or fines, but to ensure that domestic workers received the social security protection they were entitled to. - BERNAMA