KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has opened entries for the iLINDUNG Media Awards 2026, calling on journalists and content creators to showcase work that helps the public understand social protection and national well-being.
The awards honour media practitioners across television, radio, print, online portals and photography for reporting that translates complex social security issues into clear, impactful stories for the public.
This initiative aims to strengthen community awareness of the importance of social protection, especially as new schemes such as the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (LINDUNG 24 Jam) reshape the landscape of employment injury and income security coverage.
Entries can be submitted under five categories: Best TV & Video Report, Best Radio & Podcast Report, Best Print Media Report, Best Portal Report and Best Photo.
For each category, first place will take home RM5,000, second place (RM2,000) and third place (RM1,000), plus trophies.
This year, PERKESO is also offering RM10,000 and a trophy for the main Anugerah Kencana PERKESO LINDUNG Semua.
Interested media practitioners can submit their entries until Oct 20. The award presentation is scheduled for November 11.
This award is organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
Speaking about the award, PERKESO Deputy Chief Executive (Strategy and Corporate) Edmund Cheong Peck Huang said they view the media as a strategic partner in efforts to strengthen public awareness of the importance of social protection.
He said the organisation introduced a special award, the Anugerah Kencana Lindung Semua, as special recognition for journalistic work that has a significant impact on public understanding of social security.
“We see the media as a strategic partner. Even though there are many media channels, the media we have now is important to educate, to give accurate news to the public and to strengthen knowledge about social security,” he said during a special Media Literacy Session with Editors & Journalists and the PERKESO iLINDUNG Media Awards 2026 announcement here on Monday (Aug 17).
He added that the media plays an important role in conveying the message that Malaysians are protected, as well as explaining the importance of the social security system to the public.
“I think you can see that throughout the day, we always talk about social security. And I think you (the media) are the ones who can carry that credibility to tell that Malaysians are protected and the importance of social security to Malaysians,” said Cheong.
Also present were MPI President Datuk Yong Soo Heong and PERKESO Head of Branding, Media and Public Relations Tengku Datuk' Khalidah Tengku Bidin, who also called on journalists and media practitioners to submit their best work for the award.
A maximum of two entries per person are allowed under different categories. The work must be original, not advertorials, and feature the clear role of PERKESO social security.
Further information, eligibility and entry forms are available at https://mpi.my/award/perkeso. Alternatively, interested parties may call 03-86892712 or e-mail bukitledangmpi@yahoo.com.
