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Section 2: Work and Employment

Social Security Organisation (PERKESO/SOCSO)

Employment injury protection and benefits

What is PERKESO?

PERKESO (Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial) or SOCSO is a social security organization that protects workers if they get injured or sick because of their job.

Who is covered?

✅ All Malaysian workers earning ≤ RM5,000/month
✅ Foreign workers with valid work permits
✅ Part-time and temporary workers
❌ Self-employed (can join voluntarily under SKSPS)

What is covered?

🏥 Medical treatment for work injuries
💰 Cash benefits during sick leave
♿ Disability benefits
⚰️ Death benefits for family
🔄 Rehabilitation services

How to make a claim:

Report accident: Tell your employer immediately
Get medical treatment: Go to panel clinic or hospital
Employer files report: Form 21 within 7 days
Submit claim: Form 10 with medical reports
Wait for approval: PERKESO processes in 14-30 days

Important numbers:

PERKESO Hotline: 03-8922 6333
Website: perkeso.gov.my
WhatsApp: 017-888 9900

Overview

The Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO) or Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) provides protection to employees against work-related injuries, occupational diseases, and death. Established in 1971, PERKESO covers over 10 million workers in Malaysia.

PERKESO Schemes

1. Employment Injury Scheme (SKKP)

Covers injuries, diseases, or death caused by work:

Medical benefits (unlimited for work-related injuries)
Temporary disablement benefit (90% of wages)
Permanent disablement benefit (lump sum or pension)
Constant attendance allowance
Dependants' benefit (for death cases)
Funeral benefit (RM2,500)
Rehabilitation services

2. Invalidity Scheme (SKS)

Covers non-work-related invalidity or death:

Invalidity pension (if contribution conditions met)
Invalidity grant (one-time payment)
Survivors' pension (for family)
Funeral benefit (RM2,500)

3. Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (SKSPS)

Voluntary scheme for self-employed individuals:

Covers work-related injuries only
Monthly contribution: RM7.65 - RM242.85
Same benefits as Employment Injury Scheme

Contribution Rates (2026)

Monthly Wages	Employee	Employer
≤ RM4,000	0.5%	1.25% - 1.75%
RM4,001 - RM5,000	0.5%	1.25% - 1.75%
Foreign workers	Not required	1.25% - 1.75%

*Employer rate depends on industry risk classification

What Injuries Are Covered?

Covered Injuries:

✅ Accidents while performing work duties
✅ Accidents during lunch break at workplace
✅ Accidents while traveling to/from work (direct route)
✅ Occupational diseases (listed in regulations)
✅ Injuries during work-related travel

NOT Covered:

❌ Self-inflicted injuries
❌ Injuries under influence of drugs/alcohol
❌ Injuries from fighting (unless work-related)
❌ Injuries while committing a crime

How to Make a Claim: Step by Step

Step 1: Report the Accident

Tell your employer immediately
Employer must report to PERKESO within 7 days (Form 21)
If employer doesn't report, you can report yourself (Form 21A)

Step 2: Get Medical Treatment

Go to PERKESO panel clinic or government hospital
Bring your IC and PERKESO card (if available)
Tell doctor it's a work-related injury
Keep all medical certificates and reports

Step 3: Submit Claim Forms

Form 10: Claim for Employment Injury Benefit
Form 11: Medical Report (by doctor)
Form 12: Wage statement (by employer)
Submit to nearest PERKESO office

Step 4: PERKESO Assessment

PERKESO reviews your claim (14-30 days)
May call for additional medical examination
Decision letter sent by post

Step 5: Receive Benefits

If approved: Benefits paid via bank transfer
Medical bills paid directly to panel clinics
Ongoing treatment covered as needed

Benefit Amounts

Benefit Type	Amount
Temporary Disablement	90% of wages (from day 2)
Permanent Disablement	Based on % disability (up to RM600,000)
Death Benefit	RM36,000 + monthly pension
Funeral Benefit	RM2,500
Medical Benefit	Unlimited for work injuries

PERKESO Offices & Contacts

National Contacts:

Hotline: 03-8922 6333
Toll-Free: 1-800-88-7760
WhatsApp: 017-888 9900
Website: perkeso.gov.my
Email: info@perkeso.gov.my

Online Services:

ASSIST Portal: For employer claims submission
PERKESO Mobile App: Check contribution status
e-Payment: Track benefit payments

Important Tips

✅ Report accidents immediately (within 24 hours)
✅ Keep copies of all medical reports
✅ Follow up if claim takes longer than 30 days
✅ Use PERKESO panel clinics for faster processing
✅ Inform PERKESO if you change jobs
✅ Update your beneficiary details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PERKESO the same as EPF?

No. EPF is for retirement savings. PERKESO is for employment injury and invalidity protection. Both are mandatory but serve different purposes.

Am I covered if I have an accident on the way to work?

Yes, if you're on the direct route between home and workplace, and there's no significant detour for personal reasons. This is called 'journey coverage'.

How long does PERKESO take to approve claims?

Simple claims are processed within 14 days. Complex cases may take up to 30 days. Medical bills at panel clinics are paid directly and quickly.

Can I claim PERKESO if I'm a foreign worker?

Yes! Foreign workers with valid work permits are covered under the Employment Injury Scheme. Your employer must contribute for you.

What if my employer didn't register me with PERKESO?

You can still claim! Report to PERKESO with proof of employment (payslips, contract). Your employer may face penalties for non-compliance.

Last updated: March 2026

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Always verify with official sources for the most current information.