Malaysia makes Socso’s Lindung 24 Jam scheme voluntary for local workers while keeping it mandatory for foreign workers, following a Cabinet decision.
PETALING JAYA: The Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) Lindung 24 Jam scheme will be voluntary for Malaysian workers while remaining compulsory for foreign workers, following a Cabinet decision that took public feedback into account.
Human Resources (Kesuma) Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said contributions to the Non-Workplace Accident Scheme (Lindung 24 Jam) would no longer be mandatory for local workers, with the decision taking effect immediately.
He said the move gives Malaysian workers the flexibility to decide whether to contribute to the scheme based on their own needs and circumstances.
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“The implementation mechanism and the voluntary enrolment process for Malaysian workers will be announced by Socso in the near future,” he said in a statement today.
However, Ramanan said contributions to the scheme will remain mandatory for foreign workers and will continue to be implemented in accordance with existing legal provisions.
Despite the change, he stressed that the Lindung 24 Jam scheme remains an important social security initiative that provides protection to workers who suffer accidents outside working hours and away from the workplace, including while carrying out their daily activities.
He said ensuring the welfare and social security of Malaysia’s workforce remains a key priority for Socso and the ministry.
“We will review the scheme’s implementation mechanism towards the end of the year, including its policy direction, implementation effectiveness and financial sustainability, to ensure it remains viable and continues to benefit the people.
“If necessary, the outcome 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 Socso would continue to strengthen public awareness of the importance of social security protection and ensure workers receive clear and accurate information about the scheme’s benefits to help them make informed decisions.
