He said the number of drivers who have signed up for the scheme is still low.

“Until today, only 50,801 drivers have registered for the scheme out of almost 300,00 e-hailing and taxi drivers,” he said.

“If they still do not want to register, we can issue compounds but if we still fail, then we can charge them. They can be jailed for two years or fined up to RM10,000 or both, if found guilty,” he said in a press conference at Wisma Perkeso here.

He added however that it is not Socso’s intention to trouble the drivers, but merely to ensure their welfare as well as that of their families.

He said there is still time for drivers to voluntarily register and contribute to Socso.

“Don’t blame Socso if our enforcement officers manage to detect and issue a compound to drivers,” he added. “The issue has been prolonged for about two years now.”

So far, 149 drivers have received benefits under the scheme.

The government has extended the grace period for registration several times since its implementation in June 2017.