SOCSO LINDUNG 24 JAM Explained

Starting June 1, 2026, Malaysia will launch a new social security scheme that broadens worker protection beyond the workplace. This guide explains what the rollout means for employees and employers across the country.

The initiative, known as socso lindung 24 jam, aims to cover incidents that occur during all working hours. It updates the existing framework to support over nine million workers already under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969.

Employers will need to adjust payroll processes to reflect new contribution rules. Employees should learn the eligibility details, benefit types, and how claims will be handled.

This short guide breaks down eligibility, contribution rates, and core benefits so both employers and staff can stay compliant and protected.

Key Takeaways

• The program begins on June 1, 2026, nationwide in Malaysia.
• Protection extends to all working hours, not just on-site injuries.
• More than nine million workers are affected under current law.
• Employers must update payroll and contribution calculations.
• Learn eligibility, contribution rates, and available benefits.

Understanding the SOCSO LINDUNG 24 JAM Framework

From June 1, 2026, a new national scheme will extend accident cover to eligible formal employees for incidents that happen at any time.

This change creates a clear shift in social security. The program is defined as a Skim Kemalangan Bukan Bencana Kerja, meaning it focuses on personal accidents outside traditional workplace incidents.

The Shift in Social Security

The introduction of the lindung jam framework marks a major evolution in worker protection. It ensures employees receive support even when they are off-site or during non-working hours.

Implementation Timeline

Operations start in Jun 2026. Employers must update payroll and administrative systems to include contributions for this skim lindung jam. Compliance steps are straightforward but time-sensitive.

• Coverage: Personal accidents outside the workplace, not a bencana kerja replacement.
• Start date: June 1, 2026 for eligible formal staff.
• Employer action: Integrate new rules into payroll and records before the launch.

Eligibility and Coverage Scope

Coverage now extends to events that happen during personal time, not only workplace incidents.

All local and foreign workers who are already registered under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 qualify for the new protection. There is no age limit so long as employment remains active.

The skim lindung jam includes accidents at home, road incidents outside work travel, and injuries during personal or recreational activities. This differs from a typical bencana kerja claim, which relates to duties performed at work.

• Registration under the existing Act is required to claim benefits.
• Protection applies during off-duty hours and usual leisure time.
• Medical and financial support is available for covered personal accidents.

Note: The skim lindung framework ensures that employees receive care even when incidents happen outside the workplace. Employers should confirm registration and records to secure benefits for staff.

Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Employers must act now to align payroll and registration processes with the new worker protection rules. Clear internal controls will reduce errors and keep staff covered during all working hours.

Payroll System Updates

HR teams should update payroll software to reflect the new statutory deduction. Payslips must show the specific deduction so employees understand their monthly take-home pay.

Accurate calculations prevent arrears and confusion. Regular reconciliations help avoid interest and enforcement actions.

Registration for New Hires

For every new employee joining after the launch date, employers must register them using the ASSIST 2.0 portal. Existing staff are automatically registered, so no fresh enrolment is needed for current employees.

“Registering new hires promptly guarantees coverage from day one.”

Managing Contribution Records

Contributions must be remitted to PERKESO on or before the 15th day of the following month. Late payments can attract interest and penalties, which employers should avoid.

• Communicate changes clearly to staff so they understand the monthly deduction.
• Keep accurate records; arrears may be claimed even after an employee leaves.
• Submit documentation on time to prevent enforcement actions.

By dedicating time to these tasks, employers ensure that the skim lindung jam operates smoothly and the workforce stays protected every hour of employment.

Contribution Rates and Salary Ceilings

New rules set clear limits for monthly deductions and define how payroll should calculate them.

The scheme starts with a low entry rate so workers and payroll teams can adjust. In phase one, the contribution is 0.75% of monthly salary. Later phases increase to 1.0% and then 1.25%.

What payroll teams must know

The salary ceiling used for contributions is capped at RM6,000 per month for all eligible staff. This ceiling keeps deductions affordable while funding meaningful protection under the skim lindung jam.

• Employee-borne: Contributions are fully paid by the employee; employers do not add extra funds for this specific scheme.
• Phased rates give time for adjustment and budgeting across the workforce.
• Refer to official contribution tables to ensure correct monthly deductions.

Practical tip: Update payroll templates now to apply the correct rate and cap. Accurate deductions protect both employees and the company and help secure the long-term sustainability of the skim lindung.

Available Benefits for Employees

Workers gain a structured benefits package that covers medical care, rehabilitation, and family support after incidents outside work.

The scheme lists eight core benefits, including medical treatment, temporary disability pay, permanent disability compensation, and funeral expenses for dependents.

Physical and vocational rehabilitation is provided, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and skills training to help employees return to productive work.

The Return To Work (RTW) facility supports gradual reintegration into the labor market. RTW helps injured staff regain independence and income.

This skim lindung jam also offers education benefits for eligible dependents. Families gain financial help for schooling when a primary earner is affected.

Unlike coverage for a bencana kerja claim, the skim kemalangan benefits focus on personal, non-work injuries and protect employees during all hours.

• Medical care for immediate treatment and follow-up.
• Disability benefits for short- and long-term loss of earnings.
• Rehabilitation and RTW to restore function and jobs.
• Family support including funeral and education aid.

“These benefits make sure workers and their families have support when accidents happen outside work.”

Conclusion

This new round-the-clock protection marks a major step forward for worker welfare across Malaysia.

Key advantage: it expands accident cover to non-work incidents, giving employees medical, disability, and rehabilitation benefits beyond the traditional workplace.

Employers must keep payroll and registration accurate so staff receive full protection. Timely handling of contributions and new-hire records reduces gaps in cover.

For employees, the scheme brings greater peace of mind and financial support if an accident happens anytime. Stay informed about phased rates and eligibility to get the most value.

Overall, this modern approach to labor welfare helps align local practice with international standards and the needs of today’s workforce.