THE Social Security Organisation’s (PERKESO) Employment Injury Scheme for Non-Work Accident, known as Lindung 24 Jam, will no longer be compulsory for Malaysian employees following a Cabinet decision to make participation voluntary with immediate effect.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the decision was made after the government considered feedback from the public, allowing local workers to determine whether they wish to contribute to the scheme based on their individual needs and circumstances.
He stressed that the contribution requirement would remain compulsory for foreign workers and continue to be enforced under existing laws.
"The Cabinet has decided that contributions to the Lindung 24 Jam scheme will no longer be mandatory for local employees but will instead be implemented on a voluntary basis with immediate effect after taking into account the views of the people," he said in a statement on Thursday.
Ramanan said PERKESO or SOCSO would announce details on the implementation mechanism and voluntary registration process for Malaysian employees in due course.
Despite the change in policy for local employees, Ramanan said Lindung 24 Jam remained an important social protection initiative, providing financial and welfare coverage for workers who suffer accidents outside working hours and away from their workplace, including during daily activities.
He said protecting the welfare and social security of Malaysia’s workforce remained PERKESO’s main priority as an agency under the Human Resources Ministry.
Ramanan added that the ministry would conduct a comprehensive review of the scheme’s implementation framework by the end of the year, including its policy direction, effectiveness and long-term financial sustainability.
"If necessary, the findings of the review will be tabled in Parliament together with proposed amendments to the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4)," he said.
He added that PERKESO would continue strengthening public awareness campaigns on the importance of social security protection while ensuring employees receive accurate information about the scheme’s benefits to make informed decisions. - July 9, 2026
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