KUCHING: The Social Security Organisation’s (SOCSO) Lindung 24 Jam scheme could help households better withstand the financial impact of accidents occurring outside working hours.
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus lecturer Dr Nivakan Sritharan said the initiative marks a significant expansion of Malaysia’s social protection system by extending coverage beyond workplace and commuting accidents.
Expected to benefit more than nine million workers nationwide, the scheme addresses a longstanding gap in protection. “Workers may leave the workplace, but their financial risks do not disappear when they clock out,” he said.
Nivakan cited SOCSO data showing that 87 per cent of rejected accident claims between 2018 and 2025 involved non-workplace incidents.
He said serious injuries could leave households facing income loss, medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, placing considerable strain on family finances.
Extending protection beyond working hours can reduce household vulnerability and improve overall economic resilience, he added.
The need for broader coverage is underscored by Malaysia’s accident statistics.
The country records between 1,400 and 1,700 road accidents daily, many occurring during personal travel and leisure activities.
At the same time, only about 42 per cent of workers have private personal accident insurance, leaving many families financially exposed.
“When a worker is injured, families may struggle to meet housing loans, utility bills, food expenses and other commitments.
“Without protection, they may have to rely on savings, borrow money or cut back on essential spending,” he said.
Nivakan said compensation and medical support under the scheme could provide a crucial financial buffer during recovery.
However, he stressed that policymakers must carefully balance the benefits against the additional salary deductions required under the programme.
Employee contributions are set at 0.75 per cent of monthly salary for the first two years, increasing to one per cent for the following three years and 1.25 per cent from the sixth year onwards.
“The protection offered must clearly outweigh the cost to workers,” he said.
He added that efficient claims processing, transparency and clear communication would be essential to sustaining public trust.
Nivakan said the scheme could be particularly relevant in Sarawak, where long-distance travel is common among workers in industries such as oil and gas, plantations, logistics, manufacturing and construction.
Sarawak recorded 21,747 road accidents and 418 fatalities in 2025, while 5,609 accidents and 107 fatalities were reported in the first quarter of 2026.
“With many workers travelling long distances and a sizeable rural workforce relying on private vehicles, accidents outside working hours can have serious financial consequences for households.
“Lindung 24 Jam provides an added layer of security by ensuring workers remain protected beyond the traditional boundaries of employment,” he said.
