Malaysia to expand social security provisions with new 24/7 worker protection scheme
Summary
The Dewan Rakyat has completed the first reading of a Bill to amend the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), introducing the Non-Work-related Accident Scheme — branded LINDUNG 24/7. The scheme extends SOCSO coverage to formal workers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, closing a gap where many accident claims outside working hours were rejected. LINDUNG 24/7 is expected to benefit around 10 million formal workers and covers a wide range of benefits, from medical care to rehabilitation and education support.
The amendment responds to modern work patterns such as flexible and remote work, and aims to reduce pressure on the public health system by ensuring accident victims receive financial and rehabilitative support. Second and third readings will be presented by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Human Resources, with parliamentary debate scheduled for December.
Key Points
- LINDUNG 24/7 introduces non-work-related accident coverage for formal workers, providing protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Approximately 10 million formal workers are expected to benefit from the expanded coverage.
- From 2018 to 31 August 2025, SOCSO recorded 26,865 claims rejected as non-work-related — a gap LINDUNG 24/7 aims to address.
- Covered benefits include medical benefits, Temporary Disability (FHUS), Permanent Disability (FHUK), Dependent Benefits (FOT), Constant Care Allowance (ELS), Corpse Management (FPM), rehabilitation and education benefits.
- The reform is intended to align social protection with flexible and remote working trends and to ease strain on the public health system.
- Parliament will debate the second and third readings in December; the Bill is being presented by the Minister of Human Resources.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because this is a proper shake-up of worker protection in Malaysia. If you employ people, run HR, handle benefits or insurance — this could change who pays what, who claims what, and when. It plugs a longstanding hole where off-hours accidents fell through the cracks, and it matters for payroll, compliance and workforce wellbeing. Read on so you’re not caught off-guard.
Context and relevance
This amendment is significant within broader trends to modernise social protection as work becomes more flexible and remote. For employers and HR teams it signals potential changes to SOCSO obligations, claims processes and employee communications. For policymakers and insurers, the move could shift costs and demand for private coverage, while potentially reducing reliance on public health services for accident care. The scheme also reflects growing recognition that risks affecting workers extend beyond the physical workplace and standard office hours.
Author style
Punchy: This isn’t a minor tweak — it’s a major extension of SOCSO’s remit that will affect millions of formal workers and the businesses that employ them. If you deal with employment law, benefits, or risk management, this is must-see policy change.
