KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 598 high-profile individuals, including VVIPs, MPs and state assemblymen, have been identified for failing to fulfil their Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) obligations towards their domestic workers.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said they were among 10,033 employers of domestic workers identified as having failed to meet their registration or contribution obligations, based on checks conducted by PERKESO as of Nov 1.
He said another 26,669 employers had outstanding contribution arrears requiring further checks and follow-up action.
Asked whether the high-profile individuals included ministers, Ramanan said the list went beyond that.
Ramanan was speaking after the handover ceremony for PERKESO benefits to the next-of-kin of victims of the floods and landslides in Nepal, here on Wednesday (Nov 4).
He stressed that an individual's position, rank, influence or status should not be an excuse for neglecting their responsibilities as an employer.
"We cannot talk about workers' welfare and rights if we fail to fulfil even the most basic responsibilities towards the workers in our own homes.
"Leadership by example must begin with compliance with the law," he said.
Ramanan said he had directed PERKESO to step up monitoring and enforcement without compromise, including taking appropriate action against employers who failed to fulfil their obligations.
He added that domestic workers did not refer only to housekeepers, but also included gardeners, drivers, elderly caregivers and babysitters who played important roles in households.
Ramanan gave employers until Dec 7 to settle their outstanding contributions, warning that those who failed to do so would face legal action.
He said PERKESO would begin by issuing compounds, followed by possible fines of up to RM10,000, imprisonment or both.
He also warned that the names of employers involved would be made public if no further action was taken by the deadline.
