Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) will launch a new 24-hour social security protection scheme called Lindung 24 Jam on June 1, 2026, to extend coverage to accidents occurring outside working hours within the country [1, 2]. The scheme, officially named the Non-Work Disaster Accident Scheme (SKBBK) in English, covers accidents at home, traffic incidents unrelated to work, injuries during personal activities, and other non-work-related events occurring anywhere in Malaysia [1, 2].

The scheme is mandatory for all employees, both local and foreign, registered under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4). "Contributions are mandatory for all employees," SOCSO said, clarifying that this excludes self-employed individuals, who must instead register under a different social security scheme for the self-employed (Act 789) [1, 2].

Contribution rates will increase gradually over time. For the first two years, employees will pay 0.75% of their salary, rising to 1.0% during years three to five, and 1.25% from year six onward [1, 2]. Contributions will be capped based on a maximum salary ceiling of RM6,000, meaning employees earning above that will pay a fixed maximum amount [1, 2]. Workers earning between RM1,600 and RM1,700 will see their monthly SOCSO deduction rise by RM13.15, from RM39.40 to RM52.55 [1, 2].

Employers remain responsible for deducting these contributions from employee wages and forwarding the payments to SOCSO [1]. SOCSO will grant a six-month grace period from June to November 2026 during which employers will not face penalties for non-compliance [1]. After the grace period, penalties include fines up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both [1].

Workplace accidents continue to be covered separately under the existing Employment Injury Scheme, to which employers already contribute 1.25% of wages. That scheme protects employees against work-related and commuting accidents [2].

The new 24-hour scheme will cover approximately nine million workers across Malaysia starting in June 2026 [2]. Benefits under Lindung 24 Jam include medical treatment, temporary and permanent disability compensation, dependants’ benefits, lifetime care allowance, funeral costs, rehabilitation, return-to-work services, and education support [1, 2].

The first contributions under the new scheme for June 2026 salaries must be paid by the July 15 deadline [1].