PETALING JAYA: A more convenient registration process of foreign domestic workers for the Social Security Organisation (Socso) contribution can help drive up sign-ups, says an employer group.
The National Association of Human Resources Malaysia (Pusma) president Zarina Ismail said that while an operation conducted by Socso could check non-compliance among employers, easing the process will be just as effective in encouraging registrations.
“Some domestic workers are employed by the elderly, who may not be savvy in terms of registering their helpers for social protection or even aware of its importance.
“Therefore, I believe that if Socso can make it easier for this group of people, for example, having physical booths in easily accessible locations or job fairs, then it can increase the awareness of getting their workers protected under Socso,” she said.
Zarina’s comments come following the launch of Ops Kesan by Socso yesterday, which is aimed at getting more employers to register their foreign workers.
Socso group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed said yesterday only 88% of 2.4 million foreign workers – 59% domestic workers – are registered for social security protection.
Zarina pointed out that aside from the challenges faced by the elderly, some employers also questioned the need to have Socso since they are already obligated to pay for other health insurance schemes to hire their domestic workers.
“In some cases, there could be up to three different types of insurance schemes to safeguard the welfare of foreign hires, causing some bosses to wonder if there is a need to have a Socso contribution.
“So, there should be more awareness of why it’s important to have their workers registered under Socso,” she said, adding that this advocacy can be done in collaboration with source countries’ missions and NGOs.
“The workers should also be empowered about their rights as workers here.”
Zarina also said that, generally, licensed agencies that recruit foreign domestic workers will clearly spell out Socso requirements.
However, when the domestic workers change their employers, this information might not be taken into account, she added.
From June 2021, social security coverage was expanded to include domestic workers under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 and the Employment Insurance System Act 2017.
