The Malaysian government announced that contributions to the Lindung 24 Jam Non-Employment Injury Scheme under Socso are now voluntary for local workers but remain mandatory for foreign workers under existing laws, effective immediately from July 8, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9].
The Cabinet decision followed public feedback and stakeholder input after the scheme launched on June 1, 2026, requiring mandatory contributions of 0.75% of monthly wages for all employees with a salary ceiling of RM6,000 [1, 2, 4, 10, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Lindung 24 Jam provides 24-hour accident protection outside working hours and away from the workplace [1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9].
Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said, "Local workers may now choose whether to contribute to the Lindung 24 Jam Scheme based on their individual needs and circumstances" [1]. The optional withdrawal process requires local employees to sign a liability waiver form to protect Socso and employers from coverage responsibility after opting out. This waiver form has been available online since July 13, 2026 [2, 9]. Employees who withdraw must notify their employers' HR departments and rejoining the scheme is permitted but not on a daily ad hoc basis [9].
Socso CEO Datuk Seri Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed encouraged local workers to continue their contributions, noting the scheme "provides a guarantee of continuity of life through income replacement should a misfortune occur outside of working hours" [2, 9]. Socso handled roughly 27 claims per day and paid out about RM2 million during the scheme’s first month [2]. Before the scheme, approximately 38,000 non-work-related claims were rejected between 2015 and May 2026 [10].
The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) opposes removing mandatory contributions. MTUC Chairman Datuk Abdul Halim stated, "We support the implementation of Lindung 24 Jam because it brings benefits to employees, but the contribution mechanism needs review, not the mandatory participation" [11]. The International Trade Union Confederation’s Malaysia Liaison Committee (UNI-MLC) also urged the government not to weaken the scheme due to social media pressures. UNI-MLC Chairman Datuk Mohammad Sharif said, "Worker safety, life and welfare should not be a topic of dispute, and the government should not compromise social security protection due to social media pressure" [12].
The scheme covers all employees, including those over age 60 who continue working, and provides the same coverage for foreign workers [10]. The Human Resources Ministry and Socco will review the scheme’s implementation, policy, effectiveness, and funding sustainability by the end of 2026, with potential amendments to the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 under consideration [1, 2, 4, 7, 8].
