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Maintain 24-hour accident cover to avoid medical costs, workers urged
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Economy & Trade

Maintain 24-hour accident cover to avoid medical costs, workers urged

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Workers are urged to maintain their 24-hour accident insurance (Lindung 24 Jam) to avoid high medical costs.
  • The scheme offers 24-hour coverage with a small premium, but enrollment is voluntary, with employers only advising.
  • Employers cannot decide on coverage retention; the choice rests solely with the insured individual.

Employees are being advised to keep their 24-hour accident insurance, known as Skim Lindung 24 Jam, to prevent facing escalating medical expenses. Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed Husman, President of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), highlighted that the scheme provides round-the-clock protection for a minimal premium, significantly easing financial burdens in case of accidents.

It is actually better to take up or maintain this protection. With this protection, for just a small premium, you will be covered for 24 hours.

— Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed HusmanPresident of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) advising employees on the benefits of the 24-hour accident insurance.

However, Syed Hussain clarified that employers do not have the authority to determine whether an employee should retain or cancel this coverage. Their role is limited to implementing the decisions made by the policyholders themselves. "It is actually better to take up or maintain this protection. With this protection, for just a small premium, you will be covered for 24 hours," he stated.

He emphasized that the decision remains an individual choice, with employers only offering advice. "The decision ultimately rests with the contributor. We merely act as administrators and will implement the choices they make," Syed Hussain explained. This comes as news emerges that policyholders can cancel the Skim Lindung 24 Jam by completing an online liability release form starting this week.

The decision ultimately rests with the contributor. We merely act as administrators and will implement the choices they make.

— Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed HusmanMEF President clarifying the employer's role regarding employee insurance decisions.

This cancellation confirms they will no longer be covered for accidents outside working hours. The form serves as a legal basis for any future disputes, particularly concerning claims related to accidents, injuries, or deaths occurring off-duty. Syed Hussain also noted that the shift from mandatory to voluntary coverage, following the approval of related legislation, is not within the employers' purview, and inquiries should be directed to the government.

Regarding why this scheme changed from mandatory to voluntary after the law was passed, that matter needs to be asked of the government. Employers do not have the power or role in making that decision.

— Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed HusmanMEF President explaining that government policy dictates the insurance scheme's mandatory or voluntary status.
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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