ALOR GAJAH: No family should have to choose between meeting daily expenses and staying protected against the financial burden of an accident.
With additional tax relief and contribution subsidies under Budget 2027, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) is encouraging more Malaysians to protect themselves and their families.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the additional annual tax relief of up to RM150 offered an opportunity for those who previously opted out of LINDUNG 24 Jam.
He said the government understood the concerns of contributors trying to balance their disposable incomes with the need for social protection amid inflationary pressures influenced by global factors.
"This is the best opportunity for the 1.2mil contributors who opted out of LINDUNG 24 Jam to rejoin and strengthen their protection outside working hours.
“From June 1 to Sept 30, LINDUNG 24 Jam recorded 10,424 claims, averaging 85 cases a day.
“These figures remind us that accidents can happen at any time and that financial protection is essential when misfortune strikes,” he said when opening the i LINDUNG u Gegar @ Melaka programme at Dataran Keris here on Saturday (Oct 17).
The programme, held for the first time in Melaka, targeted 15,000 visitors as part of efforts by the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) and PERKESO to bring government services closer to the people.
It also saw 400 homemakers from Melaka registered under LINDUNG Kasih, giving them access to PERKESO protection against unforeseen mishaps.
For working households, LINDUNG 24 Jam extends protection to eligible accidents outside working hours that are unrelated to employment, helping contributors prepare for risks beyond the workplace.
The additional tax relief under Budget 2027 provides further encouragement to maintain this protection, including for those reconsidering their earlier decision to leave the scheme.
Ramanan said strengthening the social safety net also required the participation of businesses, particularly platform providers whose operations depended on gig workers.
He urged these companies to take advantage of the Budget 2027 incentives by sharing the cost of their workers’ PERKESO contributions.
"The government has allocated RM30mil to assist 368,098 gig workers through a 35% LINDUNG Kendiri contribution matching incentive for eligible e-hailing and p-hailing workers earning RM3,000 or less," he said.
Ramanan noted that the matching incentive can be increased to 50% if platform companies also contribute towards their workers’ coverage.
“This is a win-win situation for platform providers and gig workers, as social security protection helps safeguard workers’ socioeconomic wellbeing,” he said.
Ramanan also reminded platform providers that enforcement to ensure compliance with PERKESO contribution requirements had begun on Oct 1.
He called on them to cooperate by integrating their systems with PERKESO to facilitate automatic contribution deductions.
Under Section 83(d) of the Gig Workers Act 2025 (Act 872), platform providers must implement mandatory contribution deductions in the prescribed manner.
Section 83(g) requires providers to establish a mechanism linking their digital intermediary systems with PERKESO’s system for social security contributions.
Ramanan said compliance with these provisions was necessary to uphold social justice for gig workers.
He said beyond contribution assistance, Budget 2027 also provides support for drivers’ health and young people seeking a pathway into employment.
Ramanan said RM12.4mil had been allocated to continue "Program Pemandu Sihat dan Selamat", a collaboration between PERKESO and the Transport Ministry benefiting 225,000 heavy vehicle drivers.
He unveiled that another RM7.95mil was allocated to establish three regional Career Exploration Centres, train 2,000 career counsellors and appoint 100 case officers to guide young people who are not in employment, education or training.
Earlier, PERKESO chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the programme brought its community outreach to the southern region following the Festival Mega i LINDUNG u in Kota Damansara, Selangor, the previous month.
He said Alor Gajah residents could obtain information, seek advice and access PERKESO services in a welcoming setting.
He said employers can enjoy PERKESO’s discounts of up to 80% on interest charged for late contribution payments, known as "Faedah Caruman Lewat Bayar" (FCLB)
The initiative eases the financial burden of settling late-payment interest while encouraging employers to keep their workers’ protection in order.
Among the attractions were LINDUNG Kasih and LINDUNG Kendiri sponsorships, food trucks, a Malay film-themed fashion competition and traditional games, including dam haji, carrom, congkak and batu seremban.
A search for Melaka’s 20 best asam pedas offerings added a local touch, while appearances by celebrities, among others, Bell Ngasri, Zaki Yamani, Santesh, Amelina and Haiza Hanafi enlivened the programme.
