Perkeso Lindung 24 Jam: 10,000 workers rejoin accident scheme

Approximately 9,000 to 10,000 workers have rejoined the Lindung 24 Jam non-occupational accident scheme following an initial period where many chose to opt out.

Data from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) indicates that 12.4 percent of workers originally opted out of the scheme. Among those who initially declined coverage, nearly 50 percent were earning monthly salaries below RM3,500, a group identified as the B40 low-income demographic. Perkeso expressed concern regarding this trend, noting that over 96 percent of the B40 group lacks any form of insurance protection.

Geographically, the highest rates of opting out were recorded in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, accounting for 53 percent of those who left the scheme. Other notable regions included Johor at 11 percent and Penang at 9 percent. While the window to opt out closed on August 31 to prevent administrative confusion, workers remain eligible to rejoin the scheme at any time.