{
  "id": 18191084,
  "title": "VVIPs fail to meet Perkeso obligations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/vvips-fail-to-meet-perkeso-obligations",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T22:00:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1571025/vvips-fail-meet-perkeso-obligations"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The government's Perkeso social security system has been under scrutiny for failing to secure benefits for families of missing Malaysians in Nepal. Out of 10,033 employers identified as not meeting their contribution obligations, 864 were high-profile individuals, including members of parliament and directors-general. Perkeso has given these employers until December 7 to settle their outstanding obligations, with penalties including fines of up to RM10,000 and imprisonment of up to two years for non-compliance. Perkeso has also identified 26,669 employers with outstanding records that require further checks. In a recent review of 54 missing Malaysians after a glacial flood in Nepal, only 28 met the contribution eligibility requirements. The families of the 28 eligible victims received between RM3,000 and RM10,000 each, totaling RM174,000. The remaining 26 victims, including those ineligible for Perkeso benefits, will be assisted through the Social Synergy programme, which works with 990 partners nationwide.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [
    "Perkeso system fails to secure benefits for missing Malaysians' families",
    "864 high-profile employers, including MPs and D-Gs, not meeting obligations",
    "28 out of 54 missing victims eligible for RM3,000-RM10,000 assistance"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}