PERKESO fights back against digital job deception

Job scams are fast becoming a transnational crisis, preying on the dreams of vulnerable Malaysians seeking better prospects abroad.

In an alarming trend that continues to escalate, scam syndicates exploit social media and messaging platforms to lure unsuspecting victims – often youths and individuals facing financial hardships – with the promise of high-paying employment overseas. 

The Foreign Ministry reported that as of February 2025, at least 60 Malaysians were suspected to be stranded in countries like Cambodia and Myanmar, victims of fake job offers that turned into nightmares involving forced labour, online fraud, and even human trafficking. Victims are often held against their will, with passports confiscated and subjected to abuse and coercion. 

This growing trend not only strips individuals of their rights and dignity but also erodes public trust in legitimate international employment – a loss that affects Malaysia’s socio-economic fabric at large. 

To effectively address this growing threat, national institutions have stepped up efforts to protect jobseekers. At the frontline is the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), a key agency under the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA).

Through its administration of the Employment Insurance System (EIS), PERKESO plays a vital role not just in unemployment protection but also in the proactive delivery of labour market services that combat fraudulent employment activities. 

One of PERKESO’s most powerful tools in this mission is MYFutureJobs, Malaysia’s national employment portal. More than a digital job board, MYFutureJobs integrates artificial intelligence with human verification to create a safe, efficient, and trusted ecosystem for jobseekers. 

Every employer and vacancy listed undergoes dual-layered screening by Employment Services Officers, ensuring that only genuine, verified opportunities reach the public.

As of 2024, the platform registered over 165,731 employers and listed more than 1.53 million job vacancies, underlining the platform’s growing impact on the national labour market. 

PERKESO’s commitment to tackling job scams also extends to the international stage. Through its active role in the Public Employment Services Network (PESNET) under the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), PERKESO is part of a global dialogue to share best practices, intelligence, and policy strategies to enhance employment services across member states. 

This strategic collaboration enables Malaysia to strengthen its defences against cross-border employment fraud while ensuring that jobseekers benefit from globally informed, locally implemented solutions. 

Job scams have become increasingly sophisticated, but many follow predictable patterns that can be identified with the right knowledge. Common red flags include: 

– Vague or unrealistic job descriptions 
– Interviews conducted only through WhatsApp or Telegram 
– Requests for upfront payments for training or visa processing 
– Lack of verifiable company information 

In many cases, these scams are disguised as “easy jobs” with high pay, but they often lead to personal data theft, extortion, or even worse – modern slavery. 

While job scams continue to pose a significant threat, they can be effectively addressed through strengthened enforcement and continuous public awareness.

However, the fight against job scams goes beyond enforcement. It is about restoring trust in the labour market, protecting the dignity of every worker, and shaping a future where employment represents opportunity rather than exploitation. 

Head of the Employment Insurance System Office Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) 
Dato’ Haji Asri Ab Rahman 
Aug 13, 2025 

This Social Security series is in collaboration with PERKESO.