VVIPs fail to meet Perkeso obligations

The struggle to secure social security benefits for families of Malaysians missing in Nepal has exposed a wider failure among employers, including 864 high-profile individuals, to register their workers with the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).

The 864 VVIPs, who include members of parliament, assemblymen and directors-general, are among 10,033 employers identified as having failed to meet their contribution obligations.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said Perkeso had been directed to give them until Dec 7 to settle their outstanding obligations, failing which action would be taken.

"I do not want to embarrass these individuals by revealing their names. Please check whether you have made the contributions. If you have, thank you. If not, please make the payments," he said after handing over Perkeso benefits to families of victims of the Nepal floods in August.

Employers found guilty of failing to fulfil their obligations face a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

Perkeso has also identified 26,669 employers with outstanding contribution records that required further checks and action.

The issue surfaced when Perkeso reviewed the records of 54 Malaysians who went missing after a glacial flood struck Rasuwagadhi, along the Nepal-China border, on Aug 26.

"Perkeso reviewed the records of all 54 victims and only 28 met the contribution eligibility requirements."

The families received between RM3,000 and RM10,000 each, with total assistance amounting to RM174,000.

Ramanan handed over benefits to 16 families yesterday, while the remaining 12 had been contacted through Perkeso's Social Synergy programme.

The programme works with 990 strategic partners nationwide.

Ramanan reminded employers that social security protection must cover all workers, including domestic workers and drivers.

"We will try to help the families of the 26 victims who are not eligible for Perkeso benefits through the Social Synergy programme," he added.