Accra:Contributors to the LINDUNG 24 Jam and LINDUNG Kendiri schemes will be eligible for up to RM150 in additional tax relief as part of Budget 2027.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) stated that this initiative is anticipated to benefit over 8.5 million LINDUNG 24 Jam contributors and 1.7 million LINDUNG Kendiri contributors.

The LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme has processed 10,424 claims in its initial four months, averaging 85 claims daily, underscoring the necessity for protection beyond working hours. The tax relief is expected to encourage more individuals to join or rejoin the LINDUNG 24 Jam scheme and to increase participation in LINDUNG Kendiri.

Under the new budget, e-hailing and p-hailing workers will receive a 35 percent matching contribution from PERKESO, which can increase to 50 percent if platform companies also contribute to social security payments. Additionally, a 70 percent matching contribution incentive will be available for more than 200,000 self-employed individuals across 17 non-mandatory sectors to ease their financial burden and expand access to social security.

PERKESO has expressed support for the initiative, committing to ensure the necessary operational and system preparations are in place for self-employed individuals to contribute to LINDUNG Kendiri and avail themselves of the matching contribution incentive.

Furthermore, over 40,000 religious functionaries, including imams and other religious teachers, will benefit from PERKESO coverage funded by Lembaga Tabung Haji. PERKESO will also issue health screening vouchers to commercial heavy vehicle drivers aged 40 and above through the Safe and Healthy Driver (PSS) programme to promote early detection of health issues and reduce risks related to driving.