The tabling of the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (SKBBK) or “Lindung 24/7” by the Ministry of Human Resources in Parliament for first reading and second reading tommorrow, is a “game-changing” legislation as well as a major step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s social protection framework.
The Lindung 24/7 scheme is designed to ensure that all Malaysian workers receive comprehensive insurance protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including during non-working hours, public holidays, and daily travel. This initiative aims to close a long-standing gap in worker protection, as previously, PERKESO only covered accidents officially classified as work-related, or happening during working hours.
This has somehow left a gap in proper social protection for our workers. While these accidents may have happened outside working hours, but the tiredness from the work may be a contributing factor to the cause those acccidents even past the workers working hours. It is thus, only equitable that he/she is properly covered and protected from those as well.
Since 2018, 26,865 accident claims have been rejected because they occurred outside of working hours, and 87% of these cases were not recognised as work accidents. This means that tens of thousands of workers and their families were left without protection simply because the accident happened when they were not officially on duty. With Lindung 24/7, protection now follows the worker, rather than just their working hours.
In Sarawak, we have highlighted several cases that clearly show why this reform is necessary. One such case involved a 30-year-old production operator who fractured his arm in a road accident while fetching his wife from work. His claim was rejected because it occurred during a “personal errand.” Another case involved a business manager who tragically lost his life in an accident on his day off. His case was also deemed a non-work accident simply because it occurred on a weekend. Similarly, a 28-year-old technician was denied compensation under Section 24(1) of AKSP 1969 after meeting an accident following overtime work, as the route taken was considered a “non-reasonable deviation.”
These are not just statistics; these are real people, real families, and real losses. Accidents do not wait for office hours. As long as a person is part of the workforce, their well-being and livelihood should be protected at all times.
Under this new scheme, all active PERKESO contributors will be eligible for protection beyond the traditional scope of work-related incidents. The scheme will cover cases involving death, permanent disability, temporary disablement, and medical expenses resulting from non-workplace accidents. Claims will also be processed through PERKESO’s existing framework to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Although there will be a small incremental increase in contributions under this new scheme, this adjustment is minimal in exchange for the benefits and value of full 24/7 protection. For just a small additional contribution, workers can have peace of mind knowing that they and their families are protected at all times, not only when they are on the clock.
The Lindung 24/7 is not just another policy, it is a new social right for Malaysian workers. It represents a progressive leap in ensuring fair, inclusive, and continuous protection for all. Even outside working hours, they deserve to be protected. This bill is about reaffirming our nation’s commitment to fairness, dignity, and social justice for every Malaysian worker.