PERKESO Includes Gig Workers, Hawkers and Self-Employed Malaysians in Op Kesan 2.0

The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has expanded its Op Kesan 2.0 enforcement operation to cover Malaysia’s informal sector, including gig workers, platform providers, hawkers, small traders and self-employed individuals.

The nationwide operation involves more than 300 PERKESO personnel across 54 offices. It aims to strengthen compliance with social security laws covering both formal and informal employment.

PERKESO Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Operations Azirruan Arifin said the expansion follows the implementation of the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872) and the Self-Employed Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789). Act 872 provides for the rights and protection of gig workers and duties of contracting entities.

Op Kesan 2.0 Now Covers the Informal Sector

The latest expansion broadens PERKESO’s enforcement efforts to include workers and businesses outside traditional employment arrangements.

The operation covers platform providers and gig workers, as well as hawkers, small traders and self-employed individuals who fall under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme, known as LINDUNG Kendiri, under Act 789.

PERKESO currently lists 20 sectors under LINDUNG Kendiri, including passenger transportation, food and goods transport, agriculture, fisheries, hawking, online business, professional services and other self-employed activities.

Gig Worker Enforcement Starts on 1 October 2026

Under Act 872, platform providers are required to manage gig worker registration and contributions in an orderly manner.

PERKESO said 1.17 million gig workers have been registered to date.

Enforcement involving the gig worker sector is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026.

PERKESO Continues Enforcement Under Acts 4 and 800

PERKESO will also continue enforcement under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) and the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800).

Under the PERKESO LINDUNG branding:

Act 4: LINDUNG Pekerja
Act 800: LINDUNG Kerjaya

The enforcement covers employers’ obligations to register their businesses and employees and make the required contributions.

PERKESO states that it is responsible for administering and enforcing Acts 4, 789 and 800, among other social security laws.

Advocacy and Education Remain Part of the Operation

PERKESO said its approach combines advocacy, education and enforcement to improve awareness and compliance.

The organisation has also been raising awareness of LINDUNG 24 Jam, which provides protection against eligible non-employment-related accidents.

The scheme took effect on 1 June 2026. PERKESO’s current guidance states that participation is now voluntary for local employees, while it remains mandatory for foreign workers.

Klang Valley Locations Targeted

The latest Op Kesan 2.0 operation included several locations in the Klang Valley, including:

Pasar Seni
Brickfields
Pudu
Ampang New Town

As of 11.30am on 22 September 2026, PERKESO had conducted 159 inspection visits and issued 14 compound notices involving offences under Acts 4, 800 and 789.

Employers found to be in breach may be issued warnings, reprimands or compounds.

RM15 Million in Compounds Issued Since 2020

From 2020 to September 2026, Op Kesan resulted in 25,011 compound notices being issued to employers who failed to register their businesses and employees.

The total value of the compounds reached RM15 million.

During the same period, 21,177 cases were prosecuted for various offences.

Depending on the relevant legal provisions, employers who fail to comply may face court action. Certain offences can carry a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. PERKESO also states that non-compliance with applicable registration and contribution requirements can result in enforcement action.

Previous 'Whitening Month' Initiative Registered Thousands

PERKESO previously introduced a 'whitening month' initiative to encourage voluntary compliance among employers.

The initiative allowed employers to register their businesses and employees without facing penalties or legal action for late registration and contribution payments.

It resulted in:

6,586 employers registered
281,930 new employees registered
247,025 local workers
34,905 foreign workers

In addition, 396 new employers applied for remission of Late Contribution Interest on contribution arrears under Acts 4 and 800, involving RM67,164.

What Employers Need to Know

The expansion of Op Kesan 2.0 shows that PERKESO’s compliance efforts now cover a wider range of employment and self-employment arrangements.

Employers should make sure their businesses and employees are properly registered and that required contributions are paid according to the applicable rules.

Platform providers and eligible self-employed individuals should also check their registration and contribution responsibilities under the relevant PERKESO schemes.

For HR teams and employers, keeping up with PERKESO requirements can help reduce the risk of compliance issues and enforcement action.

FAQs

What is PERKESO Op Kesan 2.0?

Op Kesan 2.0 is a PERKESO enforcement operation aimed at improving compliance with social security laws.

When does gig worker enforcement start?

Enforcement involving gig workers is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026.

How many gig workers have registered with PERKESO?

PERKESO said 1.17 million gig workers have been registered to date.

Who is covered under LINDUNG Kendiri?

LINDUNG Kendiri covers eligible self-employed individuals, including workers in sectors such as hawking, online business, transportation and professional services.

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