Socso’s Lindung 24 Jam fills a decades-old gap, covering workers in non-work accidents around the clock.
PETALING JAYA: For decades, Malaysian workers had no social security protection if they were injured outside of work — whether in a road accident on a festive holiday, a fall at home, or an injury during a family outing. That gap has now been closed.
The Social Security Organisation (Socso) introduced Lindung 24 Jam precisely to address this long-standing shortfall. The scheme extends social security coverage to accidents occurring outside the course of employment, ensuring workers are protected not only on the job but throughout their daily lives.
READ MORE: Young motorcyclist hailed as hero after escorting ambulance through Kuantan traffic jam
Malaysia’s social security framework had previously protected workers against two major risks: employment-related accidents under the Employment Injury Scheme, and invalidity arising from serious illnesses under the Invalidity Scheme. Lindung 24 Jam now adds a third pillar — protection against non-work-related accidents.
The consequences of an off-duty accident can be just as severe as a workplace injury. A worker may be unable to work, lose income, require medical treatment and rehabilitation, and place significant financial strain on the family. Lindung 24 Jam ensures such workers are not left without recourse.
The scheme, which took effect on Monday, provides round-the-clock protection for incidents occurring during public holidays, rest days and outside working hours. It covers accidents at home, road accidents outside work-related journeys, injuries sustained during personal activities, and other incidents unconnected to employment.
Far from replacing existing protection, Lindung 24 Jam expands it — completing a framework that for the first time covers Malaysian workers against accidents at work, invalidity due to illness, and accidents that occur during everyday life.
However, Socso has clarified specific exclusions under the scheme. Conditions caused by illnesses such as diabetes, fever and high blood pressure are not covered, as any illness, disease or injury not caused by an accident falls outside the scope of Lindung 24 Jam.
Also excluded are accidents already recognised as employment injuries under other laws administered by the agency, fraudulent claims, accidents resulting from criminal acts, self-inflicted injuries and suicide attempts.
Accidents occurring outside Malaysia for personal reasons are not covered, nor are incidents involving foreign workers who misuse valid immigration passes or permits. Incidents already covered under the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Lindung Kendiri) or the Housewives’ Social Security Act 2022 (Lindung Kasih) are similarly excluded.
Workers on unpaid leave who do not contribute to the Lindung 24 Jam scheme in the month of the accident are generally not eligible for benefits, although exceptions apply if their employment status remains active.
These include workers on short unpaid leave, daily-rated employees with unpaid absences, those using remaining annual leave before retirement or termination, and those temporarily absent for personal reasons.
Socso said the scheme excludes accidents that happen before a person becomes an employee, before the scheme’s implementation at midnight on June 1, and after July 15, 2026 if no contributions were made despite active employment.
Injured employees who are unable to submit a claim themselves may appoint another person to do so on their behalf, subject to Socso’s rules.
