AROUND nine million workers in Malaysia will face increased monthly salary deductions from June as the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) rolls out its new Lindung 24 Jam scheme, extending social security protection to accidents occurring outside working hours.
The mandatory scheme, officially known as the Non-Work Disaster Accident Scheme (SKBBK), is designed to provide 24-hour protection for employees against accidents and injuries unrelated to their employment while they are within Malaysia.
Coverage includes accidents occurring at home, road accidents not connected to work-related travel, injuries sustained during personal activities, and other incidents unrelated to an employee’s duties.
Workplace accidents, however, will remain outside the scope of the new scheme as they are already protected under existing employment injury coverage.
The additional contributions will be borne entirely by employees, including both Malaysian and foreign workers covered under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).
“Contributions are mandatory for all employees, including local and foreign workers, subject to the provisions of Act 4,” SOCSO said in a recently released FAQ.
The protection will also extend to contract and part-time employees, provided they are registered with and contributing to SOCSO and satisfy the scheme’s eligibility requirements.
Self-employed individuals will not be covered under Lindung 24 Jam, as they are required to register and contribute through the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme under Act 789.
Under the implementation framework, employee contribution rates will be introduced progressively. Contributions will be set at 0.75 per cent of wages during the first two years, increase to 1.0 per cent over the subsequent three years, and rise further to 1.25 per cent from the sixth year onwards.
The scheme is subject to a maximum wage ceiling of RM6,000, with contribution amounts remaining unchanged for employees earning above that threshold.
For workers earning between RM1,600 and RM1,700 a month, the new deduction will amount to an additional RM13.15, increasing their total monthly SOCSO contribution from RM39.40 to RM52.55.
“Employers already contribute 1.25% towards the Employment Injury Scheme, which protects employees against work-related accidents, including commuting accidents,” SOCSO said.
The new programme offers a broad range of benefits, including medical treatment, temporary and permanent disablement benefits, dependants’ benefits, constant attendance allowance, funeral assistance, physical and vocational rehabilitation services, Return To Work (RTW) support, and education-related benefits.
Employers will be responsible for deducting employee contributions from wages and remitting payments to SOCSO each month.
“The scheme takes effect from contributions for June. Payment for that month must be made no later than July 15. Subsequent monthly contributions must be paid by the 15th day of the following month,” it added.
To facilitate implementation, SOCSO will grant employers a six-month grace period during which penalties and legal action for non-compliance will be waived.
However, employers who fail to deduct and remit contributions for the compulsory scheme may face severe penalties upon conviction, including imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both. - May 30, 2026
