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24-Hour Protection Scheme strengthens worker safety net
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Economy & Trade

24-Hour Protection Scheme strengthens worker safety net

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Perkeso introduced the "Skim Lindung 24 Jam" to enhance social protection for workers, covering accidents outside work hours.
  • The scheme addresses a significant protection gap, as 38,676 accident claims were rejected between 2015 and May 2026 due to incidents not related to work.
  • This initiative aims to prevent families from falling into poverty by providing long-term benefits for various contingencies.

The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) has launched the "Skim Lindung 24 Jam" (24-Hour Protection Scheme) to strengthen social safety nets for workers, adapting to the evolving dynamics of the local job market.

Edmund Cheong Peck Huang, Perkeso's Deputy Chief Executive (Strategy and Corporate), stated that the humanitarian-focused scheme acknowledges that accident risks extend beyond the workplace and working hours. Perkeso data reveals that 38,676 accident claims were rejected between 2015 and May 2026 because the incidents were not work-related. This gap is particularly concerning as over 96% of low-income earners (B40) lack private insurance coverage.

The protection gap is very significant, considering that more than 96 percent of low-income groups (B40) do not have any private insurance protection.

— Edmund Cheong Peck HuangPerkeso's Deputy Chief Executive explaining the need for the Skim Lindung 24 Jam.

The new scheme complements the existing Employment Injury Scheme under Act 4 by broadening coverage to include accidents at home, during personal activities, on weekends, and on public holidays. It offers long-term benefits such as free medical treatment, Temporary Disability Benefits (FHUS), Permanent Disability Benefits, a constant attendance allowance of RM500 per month, Dependents' Benefits (FOT), and Funeral Management Benefits (FPM) for beneficiaries.

This initiative marks a significant transformation in Malaysia's social security concept, extending its impact beyond offices and factories to cover every moment of a worker's daily life. This comprehensive role is crucial in preventing families from falling into severe poverty when the primary breadwinner suffers a mishap outside of work hours. Cheong noted a substantial increase in benefit applications through Lindung 24 Jam, rising to 2,135 cases in July from 616 the previous month. Between July 1 and July 31, Perkeso approved over 90% of claims, disbursing RM3.45 million to 2,508 recipients within five days. Cumulative claims from June 1 to July 31 reached 2,751, averaging 45 cases daily.

The number of benefit applications through Lindung 24 Jam increased significantly to 2,135 cases in July compared to 616 cases in the previous month.

— Edmund Cheong Peck HuangPerkeso's Deputy Chief Executive providing an update on the scheme's uptake.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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