The landscape of social protection in Malaysia is changing and at the center of it is PERKESO, also known as SOCSO. In 2025, a wave of reforms and rebranding has reshaped how Malaysians understand and access social safety nets.
Whether you’re a worker, employer, gig professional, housewife, or retiree here’s a comprehensive look at what’s new with PERKESO in 2025, and how it could affect you.
What Is PERKESO?
PERKESO (Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial) or SOCSO is Malaysia’s national agency for social protection. It provides insurance and financial support for:
- Workplace injuries and accidents
- Disability or invalidity
- Death and survivors’ pensions
- Unemployment (under EIS)
- Self-employed and housewives’ protection schemes
It’s no longer just for full-time employees. In recent years, coverage has expanded to include gig workers, self-employed individuals, and even housewives.
Rebranding as “LINDUNG”: One Name, Four Pillars
In August 2025, PERKESO underwent a major rebranding and launched LINDUNG, a streamlined identity for its various schemes.
The new structure organizes benefits into four main categories:
I. Lindung Pekerja
Covers all formal employees under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969. This includes workplace injury protection, invalidity pension, and survivors’ benefits.
II. Lindung Kerjaya
Focuses on career security and employment via the Employment Insurance System (EIS) helping workers who have been retrenched or laid off.
III. Lindung Kendiri
Caters to the self-employed, gig workers, and freelancers. This replaces the earlier SKSPS (Self-Employment Social Security Scheme).
IV. Lindung Kasih
A scheme for housewives providing protection against disability and death while managing household responsibilities.
Why this matters: The rebranding is meant to simplify the structure so people can better understand which protections apply to them — and how to access them.
Bigger Benefits, Higher Coverage
In 2024, PERKESO paid out RM 5.82 billion in benefits to over 870,000 recipients. The largest payout category? Survivors’ pensions totalling RM 2.41 billion.
Other highlights:
Invalidity pensions and permanent disability benefits also saw a rise in disbursement.
The salary ceiling for contributions was raised from RM5,000 to RM6,000, effective October 2024, meaning higher-earning employees now qualify for better protection and benefits.
What this means: Workers earning above RM5,000/month now contribute more and in return, stand to receive better benefits.
More Seniors Are Contributing
A new trend has emerged older Malaysians (aged 60+) are still actively working and contributing to PERKESO.
As of May 2025:
- Over 317,000 seniors were active PERKESO contributors.
- Of these, more than 110,000 were self-employed individuals enrolled under Lindung Kendiri.
Why it matters: With longer life expectancy and the rising cost of living, many Malaysians continue to work past retirement. PERKESO now provides them with protection while they do so.
Stronger Enforcement for Non-Compliance
PERKESO is getting stricter on employers who don’t register their workers or fail to contribute.
Focus sectors for enforcement include:
- Food & beverage
- Beauty salons
- Auto repair workshops
- Small factories and informal businesses
Employers may face:
- Compounds (fines)
- Interest on unpaid contributions
- Legal prosecution
There are also periodic “grace periods” or amnesties, urging businesses to register and pay up before facing penalties.
Takeaway: If you’re an employer, make sure your workers are registered and your contributions are up to date.
Housewives and Self-Employed Now Have More Protection
Through Lindung Kasih (for housewives) and Lindung Kendiri (for self-employed), PERKESO is extending social protection to previously excluded groups.
Since 2022, PERKESO has paid out over RM 4.23 million to 3,426 housewives.
The government continues to encourage voluntary contributions from housewives and freelancers.
Good to know: Contributions are affordable (e.g. RM13.10/month under SKSPS) and bring peace of mind — especially if you’re running a small business, working gigs, or managing a household full-time.
Contribution Deadlines & Administrative Updates
August 2025 contributions were extended to 19 September due to overlapping holidays — a reminder that PERKESO does adjust deadlines when necessary.
Reminder: Always keep an eye on PERKESO’s official website and announcements for updates on deadlines or contribution changes.
Who Should Pay Attention?
- Employees – Are you covered and contributing correctly?
- Self-employed / Gig workers – You now have access to insurance for injury and invalidity.
- Housewives – Voluntary contributions now offer real protection.
- Employers – Check your records; ensure all your staff (including part-timers) are covered.
- Senior citizens still working – Yes, you’re still eligible to contribute and receive benefits.