This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on November 9, 2026 - November 15, 2026

Last week, Minister of Human Resources Datuk Seri R Ramanan revealed that 864 high-profile individuals, who included prominent figures, members of parliament and state assemblymen, had been identified as failing to pay Social Security Organisation (Socso) contributions for their domestic workers.

He spoke sternly, reminding that “no one is above the law” and that the Ministry of Human Resources takes the matter seriously. He said that all employers concerned have been given until Dec 7 to fulfil their contribution obligations, failing which action would be taken against them.

Ramanan also warned that he might disclose the identities of the high-profile individuals if they did not make the Socso contributions by the deadline.

Employers who continue to disregard the payment requirements could find themselves liable to a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

Already, withholding the names of those who have neglected their responsibilities as an employer risks making it look like the ministry is protecting the elite group of prominent figures. And leaving it vague as to whether their identities will be disclosed beyond the Dec 7 deadline leaves a convenient loophole for defaulters to continue evading their responsibilities.

Whether or not the names of the delinquents who continue to fail to remit their Socso obligations will be revealed — and whether actual follow-up action will be carried out — should be clear soon. Perhaps the coming weeks will show whether the phrase “no one is above the law” is real or just a hedge.

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