What is Lindung 24 Jam?

Officially known as Skim Kemalangan Bukan Bencana Kerja (SKBBK), Lindung 24 Jam is a PERKESO (SOCSO) protection scheme introduced under the Employees’ Social Security (Amendment) Act 2026, effective 1 June 2026. It extends SOCSO coverage beyond the workplace, protecting employees against accidents that happen outside working hours, for example, a fall at home, a road accident during personal travel, or an injury during a rest day. It does not cover illnesses or accidents occurring outside Malaysia.

Who pays, and how much?

Unlike standard SOCSO contributions, Lindung 24 Jam is funded entirely by the employee and employers deduct and remit it but do not contribute. The rate is being phased in, starting at 0.75% of monthly wages, capped at a RM6,000 salary ceiling (a maximum of RM45/month in Phase 1). For the exact figure applicable to a given salary band, refer to PERKESO’s official contribution table.

Mandatory, then voluntary

The scheme launched as mandatory for all eligible employees. Following public feedback, the Cabinet announced on 8 July 2026 that participation is now voluntary for Malaysian employees, while it remains mandatory for foreign employees. Employees who wish to leave the scheme must submit their own declaration via the PERKESO LINDUNG Faedah portal. Employers cannot opt out on an employee’s behalf, though they must stop the deduction once notified. The opt-out window runs to 31 August 2026; no declaration means automatic continued enrolment.

Considerations before deciding

Reasons to stay in:

• Broad 24-hour coverage at a low monthly cost, including temporary/permanent disablement benefits, dependants’ benefits, funeral and rehabilitation benefits, and medical treatment for qualifying non-work accidents.
• No comparable private personal accident policy typically matches this price point.

Reasons some employees consider opting out:

• Those who already hold comprehensive private personal accident or life insurance may see the coverage as duplicative.
• The contribution, though small, is a compulsory deduction with no employer contribution offsetting it.
• Opting out is a formally binding declaration i.e. you accept full responsibility for accidents that would otherwise have been covered.

What employers should note

• Deductions cannot be adjusted based on employer instruction alone, only a valid employee declaration triggers a change.
• Payroll systems should be updated to reflect each employee’s current status accurately, as PERKESO categorises contributors accordingly.
• The June 2026 contribution, made while the scheme was still mandatory, is not refundable.

This article is general information only and does not constitute financial, insurance, or tax advice. Employees should refer to PERKESO’s official Lindung 24 Jam portal and contribution table before making a decision.