If you’ve noticed a slightly smaller paycheck since June, you’re not imagining it. PERKESO (SOCSO) has rolled out a new scheme called Lindung 24 Jam, and it comes with a small bump in salary deductions. Here’s the lowdown.
So what exactly is Lindung 24 Jam?
Also known as the Non-Employment Injury Security Scheme (SKBBK), it’s PERKESO’s way of covering you round-the-clock — not just during work hours. Until now, SOCSO mainly protected you from accidents at work or while commuting. This new scheme fills the gap: accidents at home, weekend mishaps, road accidents unrelated to work, and other non-work injuries are now covered too, as long as they happen within Malaysia.
Heads up though — actual workplace accidents still fall under the existing Employment Injury Scheme, not this one.
Who’s covered?
Basically, if you’re a formally employed worker — local or foreign, full-time, part-time, or on contract — and you’re registered with PERKESO, you’re in. The best part? You didn’t have to do anything. Coverage kicked in automatically for existing employees from 1 June 2026. Only new hires joining after that date need to be registered by their employer as usual.
The one group left out: self-employed individuals, who are covered under a separate scheme (Act 789) instead.
Why is my deduction higher?
Unlike most SOCSO contributions, this one is fully paid by employees — your employer doesn’t chip in for this particular scheme. It’s being rolled out in phases, starting at a modest rate and gradually increasing over the next several years. There’s also a salary ceiling, so higher earners won’t see their contribution balloon — it’s capped regardless of how much you earn above that threshold.
In short: yes, your deduction went up, but only by a small amount.
What do you actually get out of it?
Quite a lot, actually. Subject to eligibility, the scheme offers:
- Medical treatment costs
- Temporary and permanent disablement benefits
- Dependants’ benefits
- Constant attendance allowance
- Funeral benefits
- Physical and vocational rehabilitation
- Return To Work (RTW) support
- Education benefits for your dependants
Essentially, if something happens to you outside of work — a fall at home, a road accident on your day off — you (or your family) may now have a financial safety net you didn’t have before.
What should you do?
Not much, really. If you’re an existing formal employee, you’re already covered — no forms, no sign-ups. It’s worth glancing at your payslip just to confirm the new deduction has been applied correctly. And if you ever need to make a claim, applications can be done online via PERKESO’s Lindung Benefits portal, or in person at any PERKESO office.
The bottom line
A few extra ringgit off your paycheck now buys you protection that extends well beyond office hours — covering the moments in life that have nothing to do with your 9-to-5. The government’s framing this as part of a broader push to modernise Malaysia’s social safety net, in line with international labour standards. For most workers, it’s a small price for a meaningfully bigger safety blanket.