Have a Maid or Driver at Home? Make Sure They Are Registered With PERKESO

PERKESO has just shared new numbers on employers who have not registered their domestic workers.

In its media statement dated 4 November 2026, PERKESO said that, based on its checks up to 1 November 2026, 10,033 employers of domestic workers have not met their duty to register their workers or pay contributions. Another 26,669 employers have unpaid contributions that PERKESO is following up.

The list even includes 598 high-profile individuals, such as VVIPs, Members of Parliament and state assemblymen.

So, who counts as a domestic worker?

It is anyone you employ to work in or for your private home. PERKESO's examples include housemaids, personal drivers, gardeners, cooks, personal security guards, and carers for the elderly or children.

What does the law require?

Since 1 June 2021, employers must register both local and foreign domestic workers with PERKESO. This protects them if they have an accident or fall ill because of their work. Local domestic workers are also covered under the Employment Insurance System.

Close family members, such as your spouse, children or parents, are not covered by this rule.

What if you have not registered?

PERKESO's guide states that failing to register a domestic worker is an offence, with a fine of up to RM10,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.

How do you register and pay?

You can register on PERKESO's ASSIST portal or at a PERKESO office. Contributions can be paid monthly through the ASSIST portal, or 24 months in advance through the Prihatin app.

In simple terms, if someone works for you at home, they are your employee for PERKESO purposes, and registering them is your responsibility.

From a business perspective, many business owners keep SOCSO in order for their company staff but forget the people who work at home. A quick check now is much easier than dealing with enforcement later.

For your company staff, our Payroll & Compliance team can handle monthly payroll and EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB submissions, so nothing is missed. Feel free to WhatsApp us at 010-246 2151.