Hawkers and Small Traders Are Now on PERKESO's Inspection List

Op Kesan 2.0 extends PERKESO's enforcement perimeter beyond the conventional employer base. The nationwide operation on 22 September 2026, involving more than 300 officers across 54 PERKESO offices, placed the informal sector alongside the formal sector as an enforcement priority.

Two sets of obligations now apply. Platform providers for gig workers, hawkers and small traders are classified as mandatory contributors to LINDUNG Kendiri. Platform providers also carry a distinct obligation under Akta Pekerja Gig 2025 to ensure that registration and contributions are made properly. With 1.17 million gig workers already registered, enforcement under that law commences on 1 October 2026. Enforcement of LINDUNG Pekerja and LINDUNG Kerjaya continues unchanged.

Since 2020, Op Kesan has resulted in 25,011 compound notices totalling RM15 million against employers that failed to register their business and workers, together with 21,177 prosecutions. By 11.30am on 22 September 2026, the operation had recorded 159 inspection visits and 14 compound notices for offences relating to LINDUNG Pekerja, LINDUNG Kerjaya and LINDUNG Kendiri, with Pasar Seni, Brickfields, Pudu and Bandar Baru Ampang among the Klang Valley focus areas.

The operation follows a period of voluntary compliance. Under Bulan Pemutihan, employers could register their business and workers without penalty or legal action for late registration and contribution. The initiative brought in 6,586 employers and 281,930 new workers. A further 396 new employers applied for remission of Faedah Caruman Lewat Bayar (FCLB) on contribution arrears under LINDUNG Pekerja and LINDUNG Kerjaya, amounting to RM67,164.

Employers found in breach face a warning and reprimand, together with a compound. Continued default exposes the employer to prosecution, with a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. PERKESO is running enforcement in parallel with advocacy and education, particularly on LINDUNG 24 Jam, which has been in force since 1 June 2026.

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