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 state office is Wisma PERKESO in Tanjung Aru, 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 state office is Wisma PERKESO, Lorong Sempelang, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, on 1-300-22-8000 (PERKESO, checked 6 October 2026). 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 while working, accidents on certain journeys, emergencies and occupational diseases (PERKESO employer notes, checked 6 October 2026). 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 against permanent invalidity or death from causes not related to work, 24 hours a day (PERKESO employer notes, checked 6 October 2026). 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), now called LINDUNG KERJAYA, supports workers who lose their jobs, including through retrenchment, voluntary separation schemes, business closure or constructive dismissal. It provides a job search allowance for 3 to 6 months, job-search help and training fees of up to RM7,000 (PERKESO, checked 6 October 2026), helping people bridge the gap until they find new work.
SOCSO also runs a Return to Work programme for workers with an employment injury or invalidity claim who need rehabilitation or help finding work (PERKESO, checked 6 October 2026). 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 must report work-related accidents to SOCSO within 48 hours (PERKESO employer notes, checked 6 October 2026). 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 state office is Wisma PERKESO, No. 11, Lorong Sempelang, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on 1-300-22-8000 (fax 088-245 819). PERKESO also has Sabah offices in Tawau, Lahad Datu, Keningau, Sandakan, Kota Marudu and Beaufort (PERKESO, checked 6 October 2026). The official website, perkeso.gov.my, sets out the schemes, claim forms and the online portal.