Lindung 24/7 watershed moment for Malaysian workers, says Galen Centre

KUCHING (Dec 4): The introduction of the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (SKBBK) or Lindung 24/7 has been called a landmark step in strengthening Malaysia’s social protection framework and safeguarding workers beyond traditional working hours.

The Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy said Lindung 24/7 is not only a game-changer but also a watershed moment for Malaysian workers.

“It will affect the lives of millions of people. In the past five years, over 26,000 accident claims were rejected because they fell outside the narrow definition of ‘workplace accidents’, leaving workers and their families without income protection or support,” said Galen Centre chief executive officer Azrul Mohd Khalib in a statement.

According to Azrul, this new social right for Malaysian workers will help provide remedy and relief during some of the most challenging moments of their working lives.

He pointed out that Lindung 24/7 is not only the right thing to do for workers but also good economics.

“By ensuring that injured workers receive timely medical, rehabilitation, and income-replacement support, Malaysia will relieve pressure on the public healthcare system and reduce the long-term social costs of disability, financial catastrophe, and preventable poverty.

“With a small incremental increase in contributions, workers gain peace of mind knowing that they and their families are not ‘unprotected’ once they step outside the factory, office, or shop lot or when they are off the clock. This is a win-win for both employees and employers,” he said.

He noted that up to 10 million workers are expected to benefit from Lindung 24/7 while an estimated RM600 million in savings in public medical and welfare expenditure is also expected in the first year alone through this initiative.

“These are not abstract statistics; they represent real people, families and livelihoods. With Lindung 24/7 in place, fewer Malaysian families will be pushed into hardship simply because an accident happened after office hours or slightly off the ‘approved’ route home.

“Lindung 24/7 must be seen as a floor, not a ceiling for social protection reform. By recognising 24/7 protection as a basic social right for workers, Malaysia is taking an important step towards a fairer, more resilient, and more productive society,” he said.

Lindung 24/7 will provide round-the-clock social security coverage, including accidents and injuries that occur outside working hours, on rest days, public holidays, and during daily travel.

This coverage is expected to include medical, temporary, and permanent disablement and dependants’ benefits as well as constant attendance allowance, funeral benefits, rehabilitation, and education assistance.