SOCSO (PERKESO) for Foreign Workers in Malaysia
Why SOCSO covers foreign workers, what you are protected against, what comes out of your salary, and how to claim if you are hurt or fall sick.
What Is SOCSO and Why Is It on My Payslip?
SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) is called PERKESO in Malay. It is Malaysia's insurance for workers. If you are injured at work, become too ill to work, or die, SOCSO pays for treatment and pays money to you or your family.
Unlike EPF, SOCSO is not a savings account. You cannot take the money back when you leave Malaysia. You pay a small amount, and in return you are protected. Your employer must register you and pay their share. This is the law, not a favour.
Why Are Foreign Workers Covered by SOCSO?
Foreign workers were not always in SOCSO. The cover was added in three steps, and each step has a reason.
1 January 2019: Work accidents and work illness
Before 2019, foreign workers were protected under the Workmen's Compensation Act 1952, which the Human Resources Minister called "outdated", and by insurance policies that each employer bought. The cover depended on the policy being renewed.
In October 2018 the minister said the aim was one set of laws for all workers, whatever their nationality, in line with International Labour Organisation standards. SOCSO pays lifelong payments and monthly payments to dependants, and helps workers recover through rehabilitation, so they can return to work instead of being declared permanently disabled. The government also gets better records of how many foreign workers there are and which employers are paying.
1 July 2024: Invalidity and death from any cause
Work injury cover does not help if you become seriously ill or die from something unrelated to your job. The Invalidity Scheme was added to strengthen social protection and to make sure foreign workers get the same benefits as local workers. The Human Resources Minister said the contribution rates would be the same as for Malaysians.
1 June 2026: Accidents outside work (Lindung 24 Jam)
Until now, an accident on your day off, such as a fall at home or a road accident not connected to work, was not covered. Lindung 24 Jam closes this gap. It covers accidents that happen outside working hours, so you are protected around the clock. Unlike the first two schemes, the worker pays for this one.
In short: SOCSO exists so that a worker who is hurt or dies is not left without medical care or income, and so that a worker's family is not left with nothing, whether the worker is Malaysian or foreign.
SOCSO for Foreign Workers: Key Facts 2026
| Scheme | Covers | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Injury since 1 Jan 2019 |
Accidents at work, accidents on the way to or from work, and illness caused by work | Employer only: 1.25% You pay nothing |
| Invalidity since 1 Jul 2024 |
Being unable to work, or death, from any cause | You 0.5% and employer 0.5% |
| Lindung 24 Jam since 1 Jun 2026 |
Accidents outside working hours, unrelated to work | You only: 0.75% for the first 2 years, then 1.0% (years 3 to 5) and 1.25% (year 6 onwards) |
Rates are a percentage of your monthly wage, up to RM6,000. The employer pays 1.75% in total. Your own total is 1.25% in the first two years (0.5% + 0.75%). PERKESO uses wage bands, so the exact amount on your payslip may differ by a few sen.
Example: Salary RM1,700 a Month
| Item | You pay | Employer pays |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Injury | RM0 | about RM21.25 |
| Invalidity | about RM8.50 | about RM8.50 |
| Lindung 24 Jam | about RM12.75 | RM0 |
| Total | about RM21.25 | about RM29.75 |
Worked out from the percentages above. Check your payslip for the exact figures. RM1,700 is the current minimum wage.
What Do I Get From SOCSO?
If you are injured
- Free treatment at SOCSO panel clinics and government clinics and hospitals
- Pay while on medical leave if the doctor gives at least 4 days off, counting the day of the accident
- Disability payment if the injury leaves you with a permanent disability: a lump sum for a smaller disability, or part lump sum and monthly payments for life for a bigger one
- RM500 a month if you are totally disabled and need someone with you at all times
- Rehabilitation, such as physiotherapy, artificial limbs, wheelchairs and crutches
If you die
- Monthly payments to your family: spouse, children, and parents if there is no spouse or child
- Funeral and repatriation: up to RM7,500 if you die in Malaysia and are buried in your home country. Up to RM4,500 of it goes to whoever paid to send the body home, and RM3,000 to your dependants
- If you are buried in Malaysia: RM3,000
- For a death from any cause, the Survivors' Pension from the Invalidity Scheme can also apply, with a minimum of RM550 a month
If you become too ill to work (Invalidity Pension)
- A doctors' board decides if you are "invalid", meaning you cannot do any real work because of illness or injury
- You usually need at least 24 months of contributions to get a monthly pension, with a minimum of RM550 a month
- If you have not paid for long enough, you may get a one-off grant of the contributions paid, plus interest
Benefits listed here are the main ones from PERKESO's foreign worker page. Education, vocational training, dialysis and Return To Work benefits are not given to foreign workers under the Employment Injury Scheme. Amounts depend on your wage and the details of your case.
Who Is Covered?
- Foreign workers with a valid passport and a valid work pass, such as a work permit (PLKS) or an Employment Pass.
- The employer must register you and pay their share. Not doing so is an offence, with a fine of up to RM10,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.
- Foreign domestic workers (maids): PERKESO's page now lists them as covered, but older notices left them out. Employers of maids should confirm with PERKESO.
What to Do If You Are Hurt at Work
Step 1: Get treatment first
Go to a SOCSO panel clinic or a government clinic or hospital. Say clearly that it is a work accident. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
Step 2: Tell your employer immediately
Your employer must report the accident to SOCSO. Do not wait. Ask your employer to give you a copy of the report.
Step 3: Keep your papers
Keep your medical leave certificate, receipts and all medical documents. Take photos of your passport and work permit and keep your SOCSO details if you have them.
Step 4: Ask SOCSO if nothing happens
If your employer refuses to report, or you are not paid, call the PERKESO line at 1-300-22-8000 or visit the nearest PERKESO office. You have the right to be covered whether or not your employer cooperates.
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Spicy Blogging is not connected with SOCSO (PERKESO). Always confirm the latest rules and your own case with PERKESO.
Sources
- PERKESO: Foreign Workers protection
- PERKESO: FAQ Foreign Worker Protection (PDF)
- Foreign workers to be covered under Socso, says Kulasegaran (Malay Mail, October 2018)
- Workmen's Compensation Act 1952 will be abolished, says Kula (FMT, November 2018)
- Invalidity scheme to be expanded to foreign workers (Malay Mail, November 2023)
- Slightly higher salary deductions for enhanced PERKESO protection (The Star, May 2026)
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