Let’s be honest. Most working people are not against insurance or social protection. We simply want to know one thing: What exactly are we paying for?
LINDUNG 24 JAM (Skim Kemalangan Bukan Bencana Kerja or SKBBK) was introduced on 1 June 2026 to provide 24-hour protection for eligible employees against accidents that are not related to employment. The idea of having additional protection sounds reasonable. But the way the policy was introduced has left many workers asking questions.
The scheme was initially mandatory for local employees. Following a Cabinet decision on 8 July 2026, participation for Malaysian employees became voluntary, with an opt-out option. Foreign workers remain covered under the mandatory arrangement.
This naturally raises a question: If workers had already paid their June contribution when the scheme was mandatory, what happens to that money if they later opt out? Is it refundable? If not, why?
These are not unreasonable questions. Workers deserve a clear explanation of how the transition works and what happens to contributions already paid.
Another important question is whether workers actually understand the protection they are receiving.
Many employees already have life insurance, medical insurance and personal accident insurance. So what additional protection does LINDUNG 24 JAM provide? It covers non-employment-related accidents under its specific rules and benefits. It may complement private insurance rather than simply duplicate it. But ordinary workers should not have to become insurance experts to understand the difference.
PERKESO should make this information much easier to understand.
What can I claim? What is excluded? What documents are required? Where should I go if an accident happens? What is the claim procedure? How long does it take?
These are the things people need to know before they need the protection—not after.
The same issue applies to the Employment Insurance System (EIS), or LINDUNG KERJAYA.
Many workers believe that if they lose their jobs through retrenchment, MSS or VSS, they automatically receive six months of unemployment allowance. That is not correct.
PERKESO states that the Job Search Allowance (JSA) is available for 3 to 6 months, depending on the worker’s contribution qualifying conditions. So why might one worker receive six months while another receives only three?
It is based on the worker’s contribution record and the qualifying conditions—not simply on PERKESO deciding who gets more. But honestly, how many ordinary workers know this before they actually lose their jobs?
VSS and MSS are among the recognised categories of loss of employment for EIS, subject to the applicable conditions. Applicants generally need to apply within 60 days of losing employment, meet the contribution requirements and provide supporting documents. They also need to participate in the required re-employment services and actively seek work.
EIS is not simply a monthly payout. It is intended to provide temporary income support while helping unemployed workers return to employment. Eligible recipients may also receive employment services and, where applicable, training-related support.
This is where better communication matters.
Workers contribute every month. When times are good, the deduction may feel small. But when someone suddenly loses a job or suffers an accident, that contribution suddenly becomes very important.
People are not asking for free money.
They are asking for transparency, fairness and clarity.
If the government introduces a compulsory scheme, explain clearly why. If workers are later given an opt-out option, explain what happens to previous contributions. If there are benefits, tell people exactly what they cover. If there are conditions, make them easy to understand.
And when policies change, explain the reasons and consequences clearly. People should not have to depend on rumours, WhatsApp messages or social media posts to understand their own social protection.
Because at the end of the day, social protection is supposed to protect people — not leave them wondering what they paid for, what they are entitled to and whether they will actually be able to claim when they need help.
Before asking workers to pay, make sure they understand. Before asking them to claim, make sure they know how. And before changing the rules, make sure the people affected are properly informed.
That is how you build trust.
Official references:
PERKESO — LINDUNG 24 JAM https://www.perkeso.gov.my/en/skim-kemalangan-bukan-bencana-kerja-lindung-24-jam
PERKESO — Employment Insurance System (LINDUNG KERJAYA) https://www.perkeso.gov.my/en/our-services/protection/employment-insurance
PERKESO — EIS Frequently Asked Questions https://www.perkeso.gov.my/en/contact-us/pejabat-perkeso-new/frequently-asked-question
Paul Woon SF (wsfpaul@yahoo.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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