PUTRAJAYA: About 10 million formal sector workers nationwide will soon enjoy comprehensive social security coverage through the new Non-Work-Related Accident Scheme, or Lindung 24/7, under the LINDUNG Pekerja programme by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
In a statement, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) said the scheme provides continuous protection - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, extending coverage beyond regular working hours.
According to KESUMA, the protection applies to accidents occurring outside working hours, at any location and time.
“The first reading of the Bill to amend the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) has been tabled in the Dewan Rakyat, marking a key step in strengthening Malaysia’s social protection network through the introduction of Lindung 24/7,” the statement said.
It added that Lindung 24/7 not only enhances protection for workers and their families but also helps ease pressure on the public healthcare system by ensuring accident victims continue to receive financial and rehabilitation support.
Among the benefits provided under Lindung 24/7 are medical, temporary and permanent disablement, and dependants’ benefits, as well as constant attendance allowance, funeral benefits, and rehabilitation and education assistance.
The ministry said the proposed amendments take into account current employment trends, where flexible and remote work arrangements expose workers to risks beyond the workplace.
“The second and third readings of the amendments will be tabled by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong during the Parliament sitting in December,” it added.
KESUMA said the move reflects the MADANI government’s commitment to ensuring every worker in Malaysia is protected at all times and in all circumstances.
Meanwhile, Malaysians working in Singapore but running self-employed ventures, such as e-hailing or food delivery services, in Malaysia can still contribute to the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO).
Johor PERKESO director Tong Sing Chuang said contributions under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (LINDUNG Kendiri) would ensure that contributors are covered with the necessary protection.
Tong said there is currently no specific protection scheme for those working in the republic, adding that protection would be provided a foreign company operates in Malaysia and registers with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
“Those working in Singapore who are also self-employed in Malaysia can still make contributions under LINDUNG Kendiri. There is no problem for them to apply,” he told Bernama.
He said this when asked to comment on current developments related to protection schemes for Malaysians working in the republic.
Last year, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim was quoted as saying that his ministry, through PERKESO, would conduct a study on a social security insurance scheme for Malaysians working in Singapore, particularly those who commute to the republic daily.
It is estimated that more than 1.18 million Malaysians work in Singapore, with between 300,000 and 400,000 commuting across the Causeway every day.
Meanwhile, Tong urged housewives to contribute under the Housewife Social Security Scheme (LINDUNG KASIH), which offers protection in the event of accidents or mishaps while doing household chores.
He said protection would also be provided to them in the event of sickness or invalidity.
“This protection includes (in situations) like injuring your hand with a knife while preparing food or falling in the bathroom,” he said.
Therefore, Tong urged housewives who have not reached 55, or have yet to reach 54 at the time of their first contribution, to take out this protection, which requires payment only once a year.
