Malaysia has strengthened its social protection framework with the introduction of PERKESO’s LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme, a new initiative that provides eligible employees with 24-hour coverage for accidents that happen outside the workplace.

The scheme officially came into effect on 1 June 2026 and extends protection beyond work-related incidents, offering financial assistance, medical care and rehabilitation for employees who suffer non-employment-related accidents.

As the programme rolls out nationwide, PERKESO has also given eligible workers until 31 August 2026 to decide whether they wish to participate. Employees who do not opt out before the deadline will be automatically enrolled in the scheme.

What Is the LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme?

The LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme, also known as the Non-Employment Injury Scheme, is a mandatory social security programme introduced under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).

Its purpose is to provide employees with protection against accidents that occur outside working hours and are not related to their employment.

Previously, PERKESO’s Employment Injury Scheme only covered accidents that arose during work or while commuting for work. The new scheme expands that protection by covering eligible personal accidents that happen during everyday activities within Malaysia.

Like other PERKESO programmes, it operates on a social insurance model where employee contributions are pooled into a common fund to provide benefits for contributors who suffer qualifying injuries.

Who Is Eligible?

The scheme covers all local and foreign employees registered under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4).

There is no age limit, provided the individual remains an active employee under the Act. Existing PERKESO contributors are automatically eligible, while employers must register newly hired employees through the standard PERKESO registration process.

Contract workers and part-time employees are also covered, provided they are registered and meet PERKESO’s eligibility requirements.

What Benefits Does the Scheme Provide?

Employees who experience a qualifying non-work-related accident may receive benefits similar to those available under PERKESO’s Employment Injury Scheme.

These include:

• Temporary Disablement Benefit during certified medical leave.
• Permanent Disablement Benefit based on medical assessment.
• Free medical treatment at PERKESO panel clinics and government hospitals.
• Physical rehabilitation, physiotherapy and vocational rehabilitation.
• Constant-Attendance Allowance of RM500 per month for eligible employees requiring personal care.
• Dependant’s Benefit for eligible family members.
• Funeral Benefit of up to RM3,000.
• Education loans for eligible dependant children, subject to PERKESO’s terms and conditions.

Together, these benefits aim to provide both immediate financial relief and longer-term rehabilitation support following an accident.

What Accidents Are Covered?

The LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme covers accidents that occur within Malaysia and are unrelated to an employee’s work.

Examples include accidents while:

• Travelling during holidays or festive seasons.
• Going on family trips or recreational outings.
• Participating in sports or leisure activities.
• Falling at home.
• Carrying out repairs at home that are not income-generating.
• Travelling to a place of worship.
• Being injured during personal daily activities.

The objective is to provide protection throughout an employee’s personal life rather than only during working hours.

What Is Not Covered?

The scheme does not cover every type of accident.

Employees cannot claim benefits for:

• Work-related accidents already covered under PERKESO’s Employment Injury Scheme.
• Self-inflicted injuries or suicide attempts.
• Fraudulent or staged accidents.
• Accidents involving criminal activities.
• Occupational illnesses or diseases unrelated to accidents.
• Accidents occurring outside Malaysia.
• Accidents that happened before 1 June 2026.
• Cases where no valid contribution has been made, subject to PERKESO’s specified exceptions.

Employees are also not allowed to receive benefits from both the Employment Injury Scheme and the LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme for the same incident.

How Much Will Employees Contribute?

Unlike the Employment Injury Scheme, contributions for the LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme are fully borne by employees.

The contribution rates will be introduced in three phases based on monthly wages, subject to the current salary ceiling of RM6,000.

The implementation schedule is:

• 0.75% from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028
• 1.00% from 1 June 2028 to 31 May 2031
• 1.25% from 1 June 2031 onwards

Employers are responsible for deducting the contributions from employees’ salaries and remitting them to PERKESO each month.

Workers Have Until 31 August 2026 to Opt Out

Although the LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme is designed to expand social protection, PERKESO has provided employees with an opportunity to opt out during the initial implementation period.

Employees who do not wish to participate can log in to the LINDUNG Benefit Portal and complete the liability release form by selecting the “Opt Out” option.

The deadline to opt out is 31 August 2026.

If no action is taken before the deadline, employees will be automatically enrolled in the scheme. According to PERKESO, those who remain enrolled will continue contributing under a “once eligible, always eligible” policy, meaning they will remain part of the scheme for as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Employees who wish to remain covered do not need to take any action.

The opt-out process can be completed at:

https://lindungfaedah.perkeso.gov.my

What Employers Need to Know

Although employers are not required to contribute financially to the scheme, they are responsible for administering employee contributions.

Their responsibilities include deducting contributions from employees’ salaries, remitting payments to PERKESO every month and registering newly hired employees.

Contribution payments began with June 2026 salaries, with the first payment due by 15 July 2026. PERKESO has also introduced a six-month grace period to help employers adjust to the new requirements before enforcement measures are fully implemented.

Failure to comply after the grace period may result in legal action, including fines of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction.

Why the Scheme Matters

The LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme represents an important expansion of Malaysia’s social security system by extending protection beyond the workplace.

For many employees, especially lower-income workers who may not have private accident insurance, the scheme provides affordable financial protection against unexpected accidents that occur during everyday life.

As Malaysians spend more time travelling, participating in recreational activities and caring for their families outside work, broader social security coverage can help reduce financial uncertainty following unforeseen incidents.

At the same time, the introduction of an opt-out period gives employees the opportunity to review the scheme and decide whether they wish to participate before automatic enrolment takes effect.