Employing foreign domestic helpers (maids) in Malaysia now requires mandatory contributions to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
Since 1 June 2021, Malaysian employers are obligated to register their domestic helpers with SOCSO to ensure they are covered under social security schemes. This rule applies only to Malaysian employers and excludes foreign expatriates hiring domestic helpers.
Overview of SOCSO Coverage
SOCSO provides social security benefits for domestic helpers in cases of work-related injuries, disability, or death. As of 1 July 2024, the Invalidity Scheme (Skim Keilatan) has been extended to cover foreign workers, including maids. This entails:
- Employers are required to contribute 1.75% of the domestic helper’s monthly salary (1.25% for the Employment Injury Scheme and 0.5% for the Invalidity Scheme).
- Domestic helpers must contribute 0.5% of their monthly salary towards the Invalidity Scheme.
SOCSO Benefits for Maids and Domestic Workers
Domestic workers in Malaysia are now protected under two main SOCSO schemes:
Employment Injury Scheme (Act 4)
Covers injuries, accidents, or diseases that occur while working. Key benefits include:
- Medical Coverage:
Full payment for treatment of work-related injuries or illnesses. - Disability Benefits:
Compensation for temporary or permanent disabilities. - Dependent Support:
Financial aid for dependents in the event of the worker’s death. - Funeral Expenses:
Assistance for funeral and body management costs. - Employer’s Contribution:
1.25% of the worker’s monthly wages (including overtime).
Invalidity Scheme (Effective July 2024)
Covers invalidity or death not related to work. This includes:
- Invalidity Pension:
Monthly payments for workers permanently unable to work due to non-work-related causes. - Survivor’s Pension:
Financial support for family members if the worker passes away. - Rehabilitation Services:
Physical therapy and vocational training to aid recovery. - Contributions:
- Employer: Additional 0.5% (Total employer contribution: 1.75%)
- Worker: 0.5% of monthly wages
SOCSO Contributions Based on Domestic Workers’ Salary
To help employers understand their financial responsibilities, the table below outlines the required SOCSO contributions based on different salary levels, starting at RM1,800 and increasing in RM100 increments:
| Monthly Salary (RM) | Employer Contribution (1.75%) | Worker Contribution (0.5%) | Total Contribution |
| 1,800 | 31.50 | 9.00 | 40.50 |
| 1,900 | 33.25 | 9.50 | 42.75 |
| 2,000 | 35.00 | 10.00 | 45.00 |
| 2,100 | 36.75 | 10.50 | 47.25 |
| 2,200 | 38.50 | 11.00 | 49.50 |
Important Notes for Employers
Mandatory Registration: Employers must register domestic workers through the SOCSO ASSIST Portal.
- Monthly Contributions:
Payments must be made every month throughout the worker’s employment period. - No Exemption with Private Insurance:
Having private insurance (e.g., Domestic Maid Insurance Scheme) does not exempt employers from SOCSO obligations. - Full Protection:
Domestic workers are covered under both the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Scheme, ensuring broad social protection.
SOCSO Coverage for Foreign Workers (Including Domestic Helpers and Expatriates)
Foreign workers in Malaysia are protected under two key SOCSO schemes:
Employment Injury Scheme
Effective from 1 January 2019. This scheme provides coverage for accidents and occupational diseases that occur in the course of employment, including:
- Accidents while performing job duties
- Accidents during travel:
- Between home and the workplace
- To and from authorised rest areas
- While performing work-related tasks
- Accidents during emergencies
- Occupational diseases caused by work
Invalidity Scheme
Effective from 1 July 2024. Covers foreign workers who suffer from a permanent condition—regardless of cause—that prevents them from earning at least one-third of a normal worker’s income. This includes:
- Long-term physical or mental disability
- Death (regardless of whether it’s work-related)
Eligibility Criteria
To be covered, foreign workers must:
- Hold a valid passport
- Have a valid work pass, such as:
- Visit Pass (Temporary Employment)
- Employment Pass
- Special Pass
- Other approved work permits
Conclusion: SOCSO Coverage for Employers of Maids in Malaysia
SOCSO coverage is now a mandatory and important part of employing a domestic helper in Malaysia. With the inclusion of both the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Scheme, employers are responsible for ensuring their domestic workers are properly registered and protected under these social security programs.
By making the required monthly contributions and completing the registration through the ASSIST Portal, employers not only comply with Malaysian labour laws but also provide their helpers with essential protection in the event of injury, illness, or disability—whether work-related or not.
Taking the time to understand and fulfil these obligations helps promote a fair, safe, and legally compliant working environment for both employers and domestic workers.
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