Parliament passes a bill extending Perkeso coverage to 24/7, a first since 1969, set to benefit 10 million workers and save RM600 million.
KUALA LUMPUR: Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has hailed the approval of a new 24-hour social security scheme as a historic game-changer for Malaysian workers.
The Dewan Rakyat passed the Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday, introducing the Lindung 24/7 protection scheme.
This marks the first expansion of Perkeso’s coverage since 1969 to include protection for employees outside of working hours.
“Malaysian workers will now be protected 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all the time, any time!” Sim said in a statement.
He added the scheme would reduce costs for workers, their families, employers, and the government.
Sim estimated the scheme could save up to RM600 million in public medical and welfare expenses in its first year.
The minister said the implementation would benefit nearly 10 million formal sector workers nationwide.
