KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 8.5 million workers, representing 87.6 per cent of the national formal workforce, remain enrolled in the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (LINDUNG 24 Jam) since its rollout on June 1, according to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO).
SOCSO Group Chief Executive Officer Dato’ Sri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed stated that the scheme was introduced to provide comprehensive social security protection against off-duty accidents, bridging a critical coverage gap for formal sector employees.
He highlighted that formal workers average only 33 per cent of their daily routine at work, leaving 67 per cent of their day exposed to personal injury risks without basic protection.
“Worker data reveals that individuals earning below RM3,500 constitute 52 per cent of those opting out of the scheme, leaving them vulnerable to financial distress due to low personal insurance adoption,” Dr Mohammed Azman said.
Geographically, workers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya account for 53 per cent of total opt-outs, followed by Johor at 11 per cent and Penang at nine per cent.
Between June 1 and August 31, SOCSO processed 6,330 claims averaging 69 cases daily, disbursing RM9.97 million in benefits, including temporary and permanent disability payouts, medical reimbursements, funeral expenses, and dependants’ benefits.
To facilitate broader coverage, SOCSO reopened online re-enrollment via its official portal on Sept 2 for workers who previously opted out of the scheme. -MalayaDailyToday
