Socso cannot inspect private residences without consent

Malaysiakini

2 days ago

LETTER | I wish to share a matter of public interest regarding a surprise home visit conducted by a Social Security Organisation (Socso) officer without prior notice or consent.
During the visit, the officer collected sensitive personal data - including photographs of my MyKad, OKU card, medical records, and personal medication - without any formal explanation or written consent.
I lodged formal complaints with both Socso and the Human Resources Ministry.
However, the ministry merely referred the matter back to Socso without conducting an independent investigation or providing any clarification on the legal basis for such actions.
This raises serious concerns regarding:
The protection of individual privacy rights under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution;
Possible overreach of statutory powers under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969;
Institutional accountability and governance standards in public bodies.
Socso, in its official response, cited Section 12A(a) of the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 as legal justification for the visit.
However, this provision refers generally to the powers of inspectors and does not expressly authorise surprise visits to private residences.
In contrast, Section 12A(b) of the same act explicitly limits inspections to workplaces or business premises - not private homes.
This discrepancy calls into question the legality of the visit and the internal policies that allowed it.
In the interest of public accountability, I hope your newsroom will consider investigating or highlighting this issue.
For personal safety and privacy reasons, I respectfully request to remain an anonymous source.
I am willing to provide supporting documentation - including my official complaints and correspondence with Socso and the Human Resources Ministry - upon request.
Thank you for your attention, and I trust your team will handle this matter with appropriate journalistic care.
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