Socso expands enforcement under Op Kesan 2.0 to informal sector

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 23): The Social Security Organisation (Socso) has expanded enforcement under Op Kesan 2.0 to the informal sector, particularly three sectors categorised as mandatory under the current legal framework for contributions.

Socso deputy chief executive officer (operations) Azirruan Arifin said the move is in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen social protection through the implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) and the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789).

He said the nationwide operation involved more than 300 personnel across 54 Socso offices nationwide, targeting employers, platform providers, and self-employed individuals.

“The operation is carried out to strengthen compliance with social security protection laws, including the informal sector comprising platform providers for gig workers, hawkers and small traders, who are required to contribute to the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (LINDUNG Kendiri) under Act 789.

“In line with Act 872, platform providers are required to ensure registration and contributions are made properly,” he said.

To date, 1.17 million gig workers have registered with Socso, while enforcement action will begin on Oct 1 to ensure compliance and worker protection.

Azirruan said existing enforcement under Act 4 (LINDUNG Pekerja) and Act 800 (LINDUNG Kerjaya) would also continue to ensure registration and contribution obligations were fulfilled, so that eligible individuals would not be left without social security protection.

He said Socso remained committed to ensuring no group is left behind in social security protection, with its approach also involving advocacy and education, particularly on the implementation of LINDUNG 24 Jam.

During the operation, employers found to be in violation of the law would be issued warnings and reprimands, as well as compounds, he said.

The operation focused on areas such as Pasar Seni, Brickfields, Pudu, and Bandar Baru Ampang in the Klang Valley.

“Based on the implementation of Ops Kesan from 2020 until September 2026, a total of 25,011 compound notices amounting to RM15 million were issued to employers who failed to register their businesses and workers, while 21,177 cases were prosecuted for various offences,” he said.

Socso had earlier implemented the Compliance Month as an advocacy and voluntary compliance approach, giving employers an opportunity to register their businesses and workers without penalties or legal action for late registration and contributions.

Through the initiative, 6,586 employers and 281,930 new workers were registered, comprising 247,025 local workers and 34,905 foreign workers.

In addition, 396 new employers applied for remission of Late Payment Contribution Interest (FCLB) on contribution arrears under Act 4 and Act 800, involving RM67,164.

As of 11.30am on Sept 22, the operation has involved 159 inspection visits, with 14 compound notices issued for various offences under Act 4, Act 800 and Act 789.

Under the law, employers who fail to comply may face court action, which could result in a fine of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

LINDUNG is the rebranding of Socso’s social security protection schemes, launched on Aug 22, 2025, as part of a strategic move to strengthen its role in protecting the people.

Under the rebranding, Act 4 is known as LINDUNG Pekerja, Act 800 as LINDUNG Kerjaya, Act 789 or the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme as LINDUNG Kendiri, and Act 838 or the Social Security Scheme for Housewives as LINDUNG Kasih.

LINDUNG 24 Jam, which came into force on June 1, 2026, provides protection for workers covered under LINDUNG Pekerja in the event of accidents outside working hours within the country.