Need Help Managing Your Company’s SOCSO Contributions?
Our team can help manage your employee registration and statutory contributions.
Every employer in Malaysia with staff must register with PERKESO (SOCSO) and make monthly contributions for both SOCSO and EIS (Employment Insurance System). In practice, employers do this through PERKESO’s online portal, known as the ASSIST Portal. Many new employers get confused by the first-time registration process — this guide breaks it down step by step.
What Is the ASSIST Portal?
The ASSIST Portal is PERKESO’s official online system for employers. Specifically, employers use it for employer registration, updating employee details, and paying monthly SOCSO and EIS contributions.
First-Time Employer Registration Steps
- Download the forms — the ASSIST Portal enrolment application, Borang 1 (Employer Registration), and Borang SIP 1 (EIS Employer Registration).
- Email the enrolment form to idportal@perkeso.gov.my. You’ll receive a Temporary ASSIST ID.
- Call PERKESO (1-300-22-8000) the next day if you need faster approval.
- Log in to the PERKESO website, go to “Online” → “ASSIST Portal” under “For Employer”, and sign in with your ID.
- Register your business — go to MySites, select “Registration”, and complete the business registration information.
- Add employee details — enter the details of each employee who needs to be registered.
After that, once registration is complete, you can make monthly SOCSO and EIS contributions directly through the portal.
Who Needs to Be Registered?
Importantly, employers must register all employees under a contract of service for SOCSO and EIS contributions, regardless of salary amount — this includes part-time and contract staff, not just full-time permanent employees.
Documents Needed for ASSIST Portal Registration
- Company (SSM) or business registration certificate.
- Company income tax number (TIN) from LHDN.
- Name, IC number, and base salary for each employee.
- Company bank account details for automatic contribution payment (if using auto-debit).
- Business address and phone number for PERKESO correspondence.
How to Pay Monthly Contributions Through the ASSIST Portal
- Log in to the ASSIST Portal with your employer ID.
- Go to the “Contribution” menu and enter each employee’s current salary for the relevant month.
- The system automatically calculates SOCSO and EIS contributions based on the current rate schedule.
- Choose a payment method — internet banking FPX, auto-debit, or a listed bank counter.
- Keep the payment receipt as proof for your company records.
For reference, the contribution payment deadline is usually the 15th of the following month — always check the exact date on the portal, as it can shift around public holidays.
Penalties for Failing to Register or Late Contributions
As a result, PERKESO can compound employers who fail to register employees within the set period or who are late paying contributions, under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 and the Employment Insurance System Act 2017. In more serious cases – especially if an employee has an accident during an unregistered period – PERKESO can also hold the employer personally liable for the benefits it should have paid, on top of the statutory compound.
ASSIST Portal for Foreign Workers: What You Need to Know
Employers of permitted foreign workers must also register them on the ASSIST Portal for SOCSO contributions (foreign workers are eligible for the employment injury scheme only, not the invalidity scheme). In addition, failing to register foreign workers with PERKESO can jeopardise their work permit renewal at the Immigration Department.
How PERKESO Connects With JTK and HRDF
The PERKESO ASSIST Portal is one of three main statutory systems Malaysian employers must manage for their staff — alongside HRDF contributions (for skills training) and employment term compliance under the Employment Act 1955 (JTK). In fact, auditors often check all three together during an employer compliance audit.
Current SOCSO and EIS Contribution Rates
SOCSO (under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969) and EIS (under the Employment Insurance System Act 2017) contribution rates follow a tiered wage schedule that PERKESO issues, split between employer and employee (different ratios for SOCSO and EIS). However, exact rates change from time to time — always check the official current contribution schedule on PERKESO’s website before running monthly payroll.
Common Mistakes New Employers Make
- Registering new employees late — employers should register them before or as soon as the employee starts work.
- Not updating employee information when there’s a salary or status change.
- Missing the monthly contribution deadline, which can lead to late payment penalties.
- Not keeping copies of Borang 1 and Borang SIP 1 for audit reference.
How SASCO Can Help
As part of our accounting and compliance services, our team can help your company manage ASSIST Portal registration, update employee information, and make sure your SOCSO/EIS contributions go out on time every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all employees need to be registered with PERKESO?
Yes, employers must register all employees under a contract of service for SOCSO and EIS, regardless of salary amount.
How long does first-time ASSIST Portal registration take?
Employers usually receive a Temporary ASSIST ID within 1-2 working days after submitting the enrolment email, subject to PERKESO’s current workload.
What’s the difference between SOCSO and EIS contributions?
SOCSO provides social security protection for workplace accidents and occupational diseases. EIS provides temporary financial assistance to employees who lose their jobs.
What happens if an employer is late making monthly contributions?
The employer may face late payment penalties and further enforcement action from PERKESO if the delay continues.
Do permitted foreign workers need to be registered with PERKESO?
Yes, they’re eligible for the employment injury scheme, and failing to register can jeopardise their work permit renewal.
How does the ASSIST Portal connect with JTK and HRDF?
All three are separate statutory systems, and auditors often check them together during an employer compliance audit.
Where can I check the current SOCSO and EIS contribution rates?
Refer to the official contribution schedule on PERKESO’s website, as rates change periodically.
Can an employer manage ASSIST Portal registration without outside help?
Yes, but many SMEs outsource to a payroll or accounting service provider to avoid errors and late contributions.