Amid RM314m arrears row, Perkeso clarifies Zetrix never collected social security contributions on its behalf

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 — The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) today clarified that Zetrix AI Berhad has never been appointed to collect social security contributions from employers or employees under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).

Perkeso said the appointment of third parties was only for contributions under the voluntary LINDUNG Kendiri and LINDUNG Kasih schemes.

In a media statement, it added that the appointment of any agent for such purposes was not automatic, with companies required to meet all operational, system and compliance requirements set by Perkeso.

“To date, Zetrix has never collected any social security contributions on behalf of Perkeso. Therefore, there is no issue of contributions being outstanding, submitted late or remaining in the company’s possession.

“In fact, Zetrix or any other third party is not involved in managing the collection of employer or employee contributions under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4),” Perkeso said in a statement today.

Perkeso said Zetrix’s role as an agent was specifically to assist with marketing, promotional and engagement activities aimed at expanding participation in LINDUNG Kendiri and LINDUNG Kasih, both of which are voluntary contribution schemes.

LINDUNG Kendiri is implemented under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789), while LINDUNG Kasih is implemented under the Housewives’ Social Security Act 2022 (Act 838).

Perkeso said the approach was in line with efforts to raise awareness and expand social security protection to more eligible self-employed individuals and housewives.

It said this differed from social security protection under Act 4, which is mandatory and implemented through existing mechanisms and Perkeso’s enforcement measures without the need for external agents.

“In the appointment process, every company considered as an agent must undergo due diligence, including checks on the company’s background as well as any court cases or legal issues.

“The status of each agent is also subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation by Perkeso. If an agent does not conduct any transactions or activities within the first year of its appointment, its status will be reviewed in the second year.

“The appointment may be terminated if the agent continues to remain inactive, as Perkeso has previously done with other agents for the same reason,” it said.

Perkeso also clarified that any other matters raised concerning Zetrix’s dealings with other parties or agencies were outside its jurisdiction.

Earlier today, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook demanded that MYEG and Zetrix immediately settle RM314 million in outstanding government revenue collected on behalf of the Transport Ministry.

Loke said the arrears had accumulated since May and that payment services through MYEG and Zetrix had been suspended from today pending full settlement of the outstanding amount.