NST Leader: Round-the-clock protection for workers

AS of June 1, more than nine million workers under the Employees’ Social Security Act are now automatically covered against non-workplace accidents under the Lindung 24 scheme.

The round-the-clock expanded scheme deserves recognition as a progressive step towards a more comprehensive welfare framework.

For many lower- and middle-income workers, a serious accident outside working hours can be financially devastating.

Loss of income, medical bills and long-term disability can quickly plunge families into hardship. The expanded coverage helps mitigate that risk.

The Lindung 24 scheme corrects a major gap in the previous system, where many accidents outside working hours were treated as being not covered.

It is well and good if the affected workers have private accident insurance, but many, understandably, don’t. Affordability is the issue.

Malaysia has long discussed the need to strengthen social protection as the workforce evolves. Gig work, flexible schedules and changing employment patterns have exposed gaps in traditional safety nets.

While in no way a complete solution, this initiative demonstrates a willingness to modernise protections in line with contemporary realities. But the work must start now.

Because the money is coming directly out of the employees’ pockets, workers need to deeply understand why they are paying it and how to claim it.

The duties and responsibilities of employers and employees must clearly be made known.

Clear, multi-lingual educational campaigns are necessary to clarify the exact definitions of “non-employment injuries” versus “medical illness” to manage expectations and avoid future rejected claims.

While the workers will appreciate the comprehensive protection for accidents not related to employment, 24-hour coverage and the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) financing the cost of medical treatment, they would want to know why Lindung 24 comes with certain exclusions.

Workers also would want to know why contributions are only being borne by employees and not shared with employers. Their concern that they are being required to buy a personal accident policy must be addressed.

It may be too early to make an assessment of Lindung 24. It is only days old. The real test will come when claims reach a significant number because that is when we will know the extent of the comprehensive protection for accidents not related to employment Lindung 24 has promised.

We are sure Perkeso will make periodic assessments of the scheme’s outcomes to refine it further. Such an evaluation must consider three questions. Is the protection as comprehensive as promised? Are the eligibility rules working? Is the financial oversight at its transparent best?

One more thing. Perkeso needs to be alert for fraudulent claims. In the past, it had detected many syndicates and cartels behind such fraudulent claims. Even some greedy doctors had gotten into the act of falsifying medical reports.

Between April 2020 and June 2025, Perkeso is said to have saved close to RM49 million in fraudulent claims. The Lindung 24 scheme will be no exception.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times