Progressive move: Sim (in middle) and the supporting stakeholders uphold the implementation of Lindung 24 Jam as a transformative shift in Malaysia’s approach to employment protection.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken a major step towards strengthening its social protection framework with the Dewan Rakyat’s approval of the Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Bill 2025. The reform paves the way for the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) to introduce a new protection scheme that will benefit approximately ten million workers in the formal sector called Lindung 24 Jam.
With this new scheme, workers will no longer need to worry about whether an incident happens on the job or outside formal working hours. Protection is granted continuously.
Sim: This sets a new benchmark in the nation’s social protection that is equal to those in developed countries.
Why the amendment matters
The amendment is widely described as a “game changer” for Malaysia’s labour landscape. It aims to correct longstanding issues that have left thousands of workers without adequate support, particularly in cases involving severe injuries sustained outside work.
A case example illustrates the urgency of the reform. Firdaus (not his real name), aged 25, earns RM1,700 a month and had only been working for a month in a construction company.
On his day off, he drove home to visit his elderly parents but met with a serious accident on a quiet road.
His car skidded, leaving him with fractured arms, ankle injuries and internal trauma. He spent 60 days in hospital.
Abdul Halim: Lindung 24 Jam is the success of bargaining efforts that unions have championed for more than a decade.
Although his injuries were severe, the current law categorises the incident as a Non Employment Injury since it did not happen during work.
As a result, Firdaus was not eligible for any PERKESO benefits. His family had to bear medical costs amounting to tens of thousands of ringgit.
His parents nearly resorted to selling a piece of inherited land simply to fund his treatment.
If Lindung 24 Jam had already been in place, a modest contribution of RM12.35 a month would have entitled him to significant financial assistance, including:
Soh: Lindung 24 Jam represents a major reform addressing long-standing gaps that leave many employees unprotected.
> A Temporary Disablement Benefit of up to RM4,752 based on his medical leave duration (RM26.40 per day).
> Eligibility for a Permanent Disablement Benefit should a doctor’s panel determine lasting impairment. This includes a lump sum payment of up to RM30,400.92 and a lifelong monthly payment of RM712.80.
> Constant Attendance Allowance of RM500 a month for life.
> Unlimited medical and rehabilitation treatment in accordance with the Fees Act.
The cost of RM12.35 a month is minimal compared with the overwhelming burden currently faced by affected families.
Benefits of Lindung 24 Jam amendment
The amended Act introduces several major improvements designed to strengthen the national social protection ecosystem:
> Protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without the need to prove that an accident occurred during working hours.
> Resolution to 12,306 rejected claims recorded between 2023 and October 2025 due to incidents being classified as non employment related.
> Coverage for all formal workers.
The scheme offers a comprehensive range of benefits that include medical care, temporary and permanent disablement benefits, dependants’ benefits, funeral management allowance, vocational and physical rehabilitation, and access to education loans.
Abdul Rahman: The scheme addresses urgent needs for comprehensive protection.
New benchmark for social protection
During his winding-up speech in Parliament, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong emphasised that Lindung 24 Jam would significantly ease the financial burdens associated with treatment, disability management and rehabilitation.
“This sets a new benchmark in the nation’s social protection that is equal to those in developed countries,” he said.
“In this era of hybrid work and flexible working arrangements, the line between work and personal life is increasingly blurred.
“We work from home, from cafés, even from parks while accompanying our children, yet only 42% of workers today have personal accidents or takaful protection.
“That is why the government is introducing Lindung 24 Jam, which protects workers even when accidents happen outside working hours and have no direct link to their employment.”
Mohamad Ezri: Amendments ensure SOCSO contributions are used to protect workers.
Support from stakeholders
The reform has received strong support from unions, employer groups and professional bodies, many of whom have long advocated for changes to the existing system.
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor said the initiative reflects the success of collective bargaining efforts that unions have championed for more than a decade.
“Lindung 24 Jam is the result of MTUC’s long struggle over the past ten years. It shows that demands made collectively within unions receive due attention from the Government, particularly from the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA),” he said.
MTUC Sabah and Sarawak representatives added that the amendment is aligned with the International Labour Organization’s call for countries to build inclusive and resilient social protection systems.
“With the minister’s leadership, Malaysia is now on the right path to becoming a regional example in upholding workers’ rights and safety,” they said.
Uni Malaysia Labour Centre president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal described the reform as a timely gift to Malaysian workers, noting that round-the-clock protection is expected to benefit more than 9.6 million active contributors while addressing thousands of previously ineligible accident claims.
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai welcomed the move, stating that Lindung 24 Jam represents a major reform addressing long-standing gaps that leave many employees unprotected when accidents occur outside working hours.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (CUEPACS) secretary-general Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin also expressed appreciation, noting that the scheme addresses urgent needs for comprehensive protection in an era where work risks can no longer be confined to workplace boundaries.
The Bar Council president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab mentioned that these amendments ensure that SOCSO contributions can be utilised more effectively to protect workers in critical situations.
Mohamed Shafie: The round-the-clock protection is expected to benefit more than 9.6 million active contributors.
Fairer, more modern system
The introduction of Lindung 24 Jam marks a transformative shift in Malaysia’s approach to employment protection.
It acknowledges the realities of modern work, ensures greater equity among workers and provides families with the financial security they urgently need in times of hardship.
It restores confidence that Malaysia’s social protection system continues to evolve in line with global standards and the experiences of workers today.
