Kuala lumpur: The government has announced a significant change in its policy regarding the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (LINDUNG 24 Jam) under the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO). Contributions to this scheme will now be optional for local workers, effective immediately, while remaining mandatory for foreign workers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan explained that the Cabinet's decision came after considering public feedback on the scheme's implementation. The change allows local workers to decide whether to participate in the LINDUNG 24 Jam Scheme based on their personal needs and circumstances.

Ramanan noted that the implementation details and the process for local workers' voluntary participation would be announced by PERKESO soon. Despite the voluntary nature of the scheme for local workers, he emphasized that it remains a crucial initiative, offering social security protection to workers involved in accidents outside of working hours and away from their workplace.

The Human Resource Ministry plans to review the scheme's implementation by the end of the year. This review will assess the policy direction, effectiveness, and sustainability of its funding to ensure continued benefits for the public. Ramanan mentioned that if necessary, the review outcomes could lead to proposed amendments to the Employees' Social Security Act 1969, which would be tabled in Parliament.

Additionally, PERKESO is tasked with increasing public awareness regarding the scheme's benefits and the importance of social security protection.