Malaysia’s social security safety net has widened significantly, with more than nine million workers now covered around the clock under the Social Security Organisation’s (PERKESO) new LINDUNG 24 JAM scheme, effective June 1.
The expanded protection, introduced through amendments to the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), extends coverage beyond workplace accidents to include incidents occurring outside working hours, including during weekends, public holidays and personal time.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R Ramanan said the coverage is automatically extended to all existing formal sector contributors without requiring fresh registration.
“Employers need only register workers who begin employment from June 1 onwards through existing PERKESO channels,” he added.
He shared that the scheme is funded entirely by employees through a 0.75% contribution rate on monthly wages, subject to a RM6,000 wage ceiling, with employers responsible for salary deductions and remittances.
“LINDUNG 24 JAM provides eight key benefits, including medical treatment, disability support, dependants’ assistance, funeral aid, rehabilitation programmes and education benefits for eligible beneficiaries,” he said, while emphasising that the initiative brings Malaysia closer to international social security standards, strengthening worker protection and ensuring broader financial support for contributors and their families regardless of when accidents occur.
