For decades, most Malaysian employees understood SOCSO protection in relatively straightforward terms. If an accident happened while performing work duties, travelling to work, or returning home from work, they were generally covered.
However, if the same accident occurred during personal time, whether at home, during a weekend activity, or while running errands, SOCSO protection often did not apply.
That is now changing.
Beginning 1 June 2026, Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (SOCSO/PERKESO) officially introduced LINDUNG 24 Jam, also known as the Skim Kemalangan Bukan Bencana Kerja (SKBBK). The new scheme significantly expands accident protection by extending coverage beyond the workplace and outside traditional working hours.
The move represents one of the most significant enhancements to Malaysia’s social security framework in recent years and could potentially benefit more than nine million workers nationwide.
What Is LINDUNG 24 Jam?
LINDUNG 24 Jam is a mandatory SOCSO protection scheme that provides employees with accident coverage on a 24-hour basis, regardless of whether the accident is related to their work.
Previously, SOCSO’s protection was largely focused on:
- Workplace accidents
- Commuting accidents
- Occupational diseases
- Invalidity benefits
Under the new scheme, employees can now receive protection for accidents that occur outside working hours and outside the workplace.
In simple terms, an employee who suffers an accident while spending time with family, exercising, travelling domestically, or carrying out personal activities may now be eligible for SOCSO benefits, provided the incident falls within the scheme’s coverage requirements.
The initiative was introduced following amendments to Malaysia’s Employees’ Social Security framework and officially took effect on 1 June 2026.
Why Is SOCSO Expanding Protection Beyond The Workplace?
The nature of work has changed dramatically over the past decade.
Today, many Malaysians work under hybrid arrangements, flexible schedules, remote working models, or irregular shifts. As a result, the distinction between work hours and personal hours has become increasingly blurred.
Supporters of the initiative argue that worker protection should evolve alongside these changes. While traditional SOCSO protection served an important purpose, it left gaps that exposed workers to financial hardship when accidents occurred outside official working hours.
LINDUNG 24 Jam aims to close that gap by providing a broader social safety net for employees and their families.
What Types Of Accidents Could Be Covered Under SOCSO LINDUNG 24 Jam?
The expanded scheme focuses on non-employment-related accidents that occur within Malaysia.
For example, an employee who slips and falls at home, suffers injuries during recreational activities, or is involved in a road accident while running personal errands may potentially be eligible for benefits under the scheme.
Previously, many of these incidents would have fallen outside SOCSO’s protection because they were not directly linked to employment.
Although claims will still be subject to PERKESO’s assessment and eligibility requirements, the expanded framework significantly broadens the situations where workers may receive support.
What Benefits Are Available?
Employees covered under LINDUNG 24 Jam may be entitled to a range of benefits similar to those available under existing SOCSO protection schemes.
These benefits can include medical treatment, temporary disability benefits, permanent disability compensation, dependants’ benefits, funeral benefits, rehabilitation services, educational assistance for dependants, and constant attendance allowances for eligible cases.
The exact benefits received will depend on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as PERKESO’s assessment of each claim.
What SOCSO LINDUNG 24 Jam Does Not Cover
While the scheme offers broader protection, it is not designed to cover every situation.
Generally, accidents occurring outside Malaysia remain excluded. Fraudulent claims, certain immigration-related violations involving foreign workers, and illnesses or disease-related conditions are also not covered under the programme.
This distinction is important because LINDUNG 24 Jam is an accident protection scheme, not a comprehensive medical insurance plan. While it provides valuable financial support following accidents, it does not replace private medical insurance, critical illness coverage, or broader healthcare protection.
How Much Will Employees Contribute?
One of the most notable aspects of the scheme is that the contribution is fully borne by employees.
The contribution will be introduced gradually through a phased approach. During the first two years, employees will contribute 0.75% of their monthly wages. The rate will increase to 1.00% during years three to five, before reaching 1.25% from year six onwards.
Contributions are subject to the existing monthly wage ceiling of RM6,000. This means employees earning RM6,000 or more will pay a maximum contribution of RM45 per month during the initial phase.
For employees earning below the wage ceiling, contributions will be calculated based on their actual wages.
What Employers Need To Do
Although employees bear the cost of the contribution, employers remain responsible for ensuring the scheme is properly administered.
Employers must deduct the required contribution from employees’ salaries and submit it together with existing SOCSO contributions. They must also ensure that payroll systems are updated, salary slips accurately reflect the new deduction, and contribution records are maintained correctly.
Existing employees do not need to register separately because PERKESO will rely on its current records. However, employers must continue registering new employees through the standard registration process.
Importantly, the monthly payment deadline remains unchanged. Contributions must still be submitted on or before the 15th day of the following month.
SOCSO’s Biggest Protection Expansion In Recent Years
The introduction of SOCSO LINDUNG 24 Jam marks one of the most significant expansions of employee protection in Malaysia’s social security system in recent years.
For employees, it provides a broader safety net by extending accident protection beyond the workplace and into everyday life.
For employers, it serves as a reminder that statutory compliance involves more than simply making monthly contributions. Payroll systems, employee communication, documentation, and contribution processes must all be aligned with the new requirements.
Employers and employees who wish to learn more about the scheme, benefits, eligibility requirements, and contribution details can visit the official page here: SOCSO LINDUNG 24 Jam Information Page
Related articles:
More Than 60,000 Foodpanda Delivery Riders Are Now Covered by SOCSO
PERKESO Now Offers Free Treatment at 1,400 Clinics, Just Show Your IC
Discussion about this post