SOCSO in Sabah: PERKESO Claims & Benefits
What does SOCSO do in Sabah?
SOCSO (PERKESO) is Malaysia's social security organisation. In Sabah it provides workplace injury cover, invalidity pensions and retrenchment support through the Employment Insurance System. The main office is Wisma PERKESO on Jalan Tuaran in Kota Kinabalu.
SOCSO in Sabah at a glance
The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), known in Malay as PERKESO, is the safety net for working people. It protects employees in Sabah against the financial impact of workplace injury, long-term invalidity and job loss, funded by monthly employer and employee contributions.
The Sabah office is Wisma PERKESO, Jalan Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, on 088-265 001. Employers register their staff, and benefits are claimed when a covered event — such as an accident at work — occurs.
Tell your employer about any workplace or commuting accident immediately and keep all medical records. Prompt reporting makes a SOCSO claim far smoother.
Employment injury scheme
The Employment Injury Scheme is SOCSO's core protection. It covers accidents that happen at work, accidents while commuting to or from work, and recognised occupational diseases. Benefits can include medical treatment, temporary disablement payments while a worker recovers, and permanent disablement benefits.
In the most serious cases, where a worker dies as a result of a workplace incident, the scheme provides support for the dependants. Employers must report incidents, and accurate records help SOCSO assess each claim.
Invalidity pension
The Invalidity Pension Scheme protects workers who become permanently unable to work due to illness or disability that is not necessarily work-related. Eligibility depends on the member's contribution record, and benefits help replace lost income.
This scheme works alongside the injury cover, broadening the protection beyond accidents at the workplace. SOCSO assesses invalidity claims using medical evidence, so detailed reports from treating doctors are important.
Employment insurance and return to work
The Employment Insurance System (EIS) supports workers who lose their jobs through retrenchment. It provides temporary financial assistance, job-search allowances and access to training, helping people bridge the gap until they find new work.
SOCSO also runs a Return-to-Work programme for injured workers, combining rehabilitation with retraining so they can re-enter employment where possible. Together these turn SOCSO into more than a payout office — it actively helps members back into work.
Benefit rates, eligibility and procedures change over time. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Confirm current rules on perkeso.gov.my or with SOCSO directly.
How to make a claim
To claim, first report the incident to your employer, who should notify SOCSO. Then lodge the claim with the relevant forms and supporting documents, especially medical reports for injury or invalidity claims. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Many claims can be initiated through the SOCSO portal, with the counter available for help and verification. Bring your MyKad and employment details, and follow up using your reference number if a claim takes time to process.
Office and contact details
The Sabah SOCSO office is Wisma PERKESO, Jalan Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, reachable on 088-265 001. The official website, perkeso.gov.my, sets out the schemes, claim forms and the online portal.
For after-hours help with registration or general enquiries, a PERKESO counter is available at UTC KK, Wisma Sabah, which opens 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.