KUALA LUMPUR — From today, the Lindung 24 Jam scheme under Social Security Organisation (Socso) covers workers involved in non-work-related accidents, including on public holidays and rest days.
But there are specific exclusions that the automatic scheme will not cover, including conditions caused by any illness such as diabetes, fever, high blood pressure, and others, information on the Socso website states.
Also not covered under the scheme are accidents that occur outside Malaysia, injuries sustained during self-employment, self-inflicted injuries including attempted suicide, or injuries as a result of criminal activity, states a list of frequently-asked-questions on Socso’s website.
Injuries already covered by the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 and the Housewives Social Security Act 2022 are also excluded.
Workers who do not specifically contribute to the Lindung 24 Jam scheme, and foreign workers without valid documents, are also not eligible.
The scheme is not retroactive prior to June 1, meaning any non-work injury sustained before the date the scheme is enforced cannot receive coverage.
An injured employee, however, may get another person to make a claim from the scheme on his behalf - subject to Socso’s rules - if the affected employee is unable to do so personally.
The protections granted under Lindung 24 Jam include benefits that cover medical, temporary disablement, permanent disablement and a dependants' benefit.
Other benefits include constant attendance allowance, a funeral benefit, physical rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation for return to work, and an education benefit.
Salary deductions
The mandatory scheme is fully borne by employees, who will make the contribution to Socso via salary deductions by their employers.
At present, the contribution rate is set at 0.75 per cent of monthly wages, for the first two years.
According to Socso, this will increase to 1 per cent for the subsequent three years, and 1.25 per cent from the sixth year onwards.
The maximum wage ceiling for this scheme is RM6,000. Contributions of those earning above the ceiling will remain unchanged.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, in a statement to announce the scheme’s launch today, said it will cover more than nine million contributors.
He said the automatic coverage against non-work-related accidents is for all existing formal sector workers and does not require any new registration by employers or employees.
"For individuals newly employed and reporting for duty after June 1, 2026, employers are required to register them through Socso’s existing procedures,” he said.
Contributions must be paid continuously to ensure uninterrupted protection while facilitating compliance by both employers and employees, he added.
Ramanan said the expanded protection is in line with recommendations by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and international best practices aimed at strengthening workers' social security coverage.
He added that the latest initiative spearheaded by Socso makes Malaysia's social security network more comprehensive, dynamic and relevant to current labour market realities, while supporting the aspirations of Malaysia Madani in safeguarding the welfare and well-being of the nation's workforce.
"Applications for benefits can be submitted online through the Lindung Faedah portal at lindungfaedah.perkeso.gov.my or at the nearest Socso office," he said. - June 1, 2026
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