KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 9): The Social Security Organisation (Socso) said 87.6% of workers, or 8.5 million employees, have chosen to remain in the Lindung 24 Jam scheme following the close of the opt‑out window on Aug 31.
“The figure reflects the confidence of the majority of workers in the importance of extended protection beyond working hours, particularly in facing the risk of accidents that can occur at any time,” said its group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed during a media briefing.
When asked about the total contributions collected by Socso under the scheme, Mohammed Azman said the data will only be revealed next month.
Between June 1 and Aug 31, Socso said it had received 6,330 claims under Lindung 24 Jam, averaging 69 cases a day. Payouts amounted to RM9.97 million, covering temporary and permanent disability, medical costs, dependants’ pensions and rehabilitation support.
Socso said from the 12.4% of employees that opted out of the scheme, 52% of them earned below RM3,500, with more than half of that group based in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya.
To address this, Socso said it will work with the government to explain the benefits of the Lindung 24 Jam scheme.
The agency said employees who opted out could rejoin the Lindung 24 Jam scheme via the Socso website.
WATCH: Over 87% of workers opt to stay with Lindung 24 Jam
Under Lindung 24 Jam, workers contribute 0.75% of their wages for the first two years, rising to 1% for the following three years and 1.25% from the sixth year onwards.
Asked whether the contribution rate should be revised, Mohammad Azman said the current 0.75% rate was rational and among the lowest globally.
The Lindung 24 Jam scheme was launched on June 1. It covers accidents or injuries outside of working hours. Work-related injuries are covered by Socso's Lindung Perkerja scheme.