KUALA LUMPUR: Two motorists injured in a fatal accident in Simpang Renggam, Johor, have become the first recipients of benefits under the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (SKBBK), or Lindung 24 Jam, since it came into force on Monday (June 1).
The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) said that Husnizam Hisamudin, 43, and Muhammad Amirul Hazim Misnon, 22, are active contributors under Act 4, thus making them eligible for sick leave payments and permanent disability benefits under the scheme.
Its Group chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, said Husnizam suffered injuries to his shoulder and hand, while Muhammad Amirul sustained injuries to his mouth, qualifying them for unlimited implant treatment, rehabilitation equipment and rehabilitation support as required.
"PERKESO provides protection for accidents at work or while on duty. However, through Lindung 24 Jam, social protection has now been extended to cover accidents outside working hours, including on holidays.
"This tragedy shows that misfortune can strike at any time, regardless of location. Therefore, Lindung 24 Jam ensures that contributors and their families continue to receive appropriate protection when facing hardship,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (June 2).
Meanwhile, Mohammed Azman said that the heirs of the three victims who were killed in the incident are eligible to receive benefits under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Lindung Pekerja scheme).
He said the PERKESO Prihatin Squad was promptly mobilised shortly after the incident took place to verify the details of all victims and carry out visits to facilitate the immediate provision of Lindung 24 Jam assistance.
Mohammed Azman said that despite the incident taking place outside working hours, the victims’ heirs remain eligible for PERKESO protection, subject to their respective qualifications.
On Monday, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the Lindung 24 Jam scheme, introduced through amendments to the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), expands Malaysia’s social security protection framework by providing coverage beyond workplace-related incidents, including during public holidays.
In the meantime, he said that PERKESO's latest scheme, which officially began on Monday, has expanded contributors’ protection to cover incidents occurring at any time and in any location under the Lindung 24 Jam concept.
Mohammed Azman said the move would ensure that any insured person affected by misfortune outside working hours continues to receive appropriate protection, thereby closing the gap that previously existed.
He also conveyed his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed hope that the assistance provided would help ease their burden in coping with the loss of their loved ones.
Four people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed yesterday in a five-vehicle crash on Jalan Johor Bahru-Ayer Hitam, Simpang Renggam. — Bernama
