Lindung 24/7 is a ‘game-changing’ social right for workers, says Dr Yii

KUCHING (Dec 1): The Non-Employment Injury Scheme (SKBBK) or ‘Lindung 24/7’ (24/7 Protection), tabled by the Human Resources Ministry in Parliament, is a major step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s social protection framework, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

Describing the scheme as a ‘game-changing’ legislation, he said it is designed to ensure that all Malaysian workers receive comprehensive all-time insurance protection, including non-working hours, public holidays and daily travel.

“This initiative aims to close a long-standing gap in worker protection, as previously, Social Security Organisation (Socso) only covered accidents officially classified as work-related or happening during working hours,” he said in a statement.

Dr Yii said it is equitable that workers are properly covered and protected outside working hours because work-related fatigue may be a contributing factor in accidents after working hours.

According to him, 26,865 accident claims have been rejected because they occurred outside of working hours, and 87 per cent of these cases were not recognised as work accidents since 2018.

“This means that tens of thousands of workers and their families were left without protection simply because the accident happened when they were not officially on duty. With Lindung 24/7, protection now follows the worker, rather than just their working hours,” he said.

In Sarawak, he said the claim of a 30-year-old production operator, who fractured his arm in a road accident while fetching his wife from work, was rejected because it occurred during a ‘personal errand’.

He said another case involved a business manager who tragically lost his life in an accident on his day off, which was also deemed a non-work accident.

“Similarly, a 28-year-old technician was denied compensation under Section 24(1) of the Employees’ Social Security Act (AKSP) 1969 after meeting with an accident following overtime work, as the route taken was considered a ‘non-reasonable deviation’.

“These are not just statistics but real people, families and losses. Accidents do not wait for office hours. As long as a person is part of the workforce, their well-being and livelihood should be protected at all times,” he said.

Under this new scheme, Dr Yii said all active Socso contributors will be eligible for protection beyond the traditional scope of work-related incidents.

He said the scheme will cover cases involving death, permanent disability, temporary disablement and medical expenses resulting from non-workplace accidents, while claims will also be processed through Socso’s existing framework to ensure transparency and efficiency.

“Although there will be a small incremental increase in contributions under this new scheme, this adjustment is minimal in exchange for the benefits and value of full 24/7 protection.

“For just a small additional contribution, workers can have peace of mind knowing that they and their families are protected at all times, not only when they are on the clock,” he added.

Dr Yii pointed out that the Lindung 24/7 is not just another policy but a new social right for Malaysian workers.

He said it represents a progressive leap in ensuring fair, inclusive and continuous protection for all.

“Even outside working hours, a worker remains a worker and they deserve to be protected. This bill is about reaffirming our nation’s commitment to fairness, dignity and social justice for every Malaysian worker,” he said.