PETALING JAYA: The recent extension of the Socso Amnesty Programme has brought a wave of relief and appreciation from employers across Malaysia. According to the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), this move has already helped businesses save a collective RM100 million by waiving compounds and late payment charges — a huge support during challenging economic times.
Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed Husman, President of MEF, expressed his full support for the decision to extend the programme until May 31. “This initiative is more than just a financial reprieve. It’s a meaningful opportunity for employers to do the right thing — to catch up on their responsibilities without fear of penalties,” he shared on Saturday (May 17).
The amnesty, which runs from April 1 to May 31, gives employers a chance to settle their overdue contributions to the Social Security Organisation (Socso) without facing punitive charges. So far, 220,000 employers have stepped forward to regularise their contributions.
But the impact goes beyond numbers.
Thanks to this programme, one million workers — many of whom may have been previously unprotected — are now officially covered under the Socso scheme. That’s one million more families with a safety net, one million lives made a little more secure.
“This is about more than compliance — it’s about care,” said Syed Hussain. “Protecting our workers isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a shared responsibility. It’s how we build trust, resilience, and a stronger Malaysia.”
He urged all employers, especially those who have yet to act, to use this opportunity to register their employees and make their contributions right. “Let’s not wait for enforcement to remind us of our duties. Let’s lead with responsibility,” he added.
The MEF continues to advocate for responsible business practices, especially those that uplift both employers and workers. The amnesty extension, according to many in the industry, is a timely step in the right direction — one that reflects a more compassionate and forward-thinking approach to economic recovery and workforce well-being.
