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SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam – Voluntary or Mandatory? Opt-In/Opt-Out Guide
What Is SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam?
Lindung 24 Jam (officially the Skim Kemalangan Bukan Bencana Kerja, or SKBBK) is a SOCSO/PERKESO scheme that extends protection to accidents happening outside work — at home, during sports, or on personal travel within Malaysia. It sits alongside your existing Employment Injury Scheme, which only ever covered workplace and commuting accidents.
After public pushback, the Cabinet announced contributions would no longer be compulsory. The Human Resources Ministry then clarified: the scheme is now voluntary for local employees, but remains mandatory for foreign workers. On 10 July, PERKESO confirmed how to opt out: from Monday, 13 July 2026, employees can download the withdrawal form (“Borang Perakuan Pelepasan Liabiliti”) from PERKESO’s website, sign it, submit it to PERKESO, and inform their employer. Once submitted, no more deductions from that point — but signing it means zero protection for non-work accidents going forward. Contributions already deducted before 8 July won’t be refunded, since the scheme was legally mandatory at that time.
SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Cheap — max RM45/month, far below most private PA plans
- No medical underwriting or health questionnaire
- Covers a real gap most workers have no protection for
- No age limit — most private insurers cut off around 60–75
Disadvantages
- Accidents only — no illness cover, no coverage outside Malaysia
- Payout capped at the RM6,000 wage ceiling — thin for higher earners
- Opting out means giving up all protection, with no refund on past contributions
- Employers face fresh payroll changes with limited guidance so far
Lindung 24 Jam vs. Private Personal Accident (PA) Insurance
| Lindung 24 Jam | Private PA Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~0.75% of wages, capped ~RM45/month | Often RM200–RM1,000+/year |
| Underwriting | None — automatic | Medical declaration required |
| Coverage area | Malaysia only | Often worldwide |
| Payout | Capped at RM6,000 wage ceiling; lump sum if disability assessed ≤20%, monthly pension for life if above 20% | Usually a lump sum, sized by sum insured |
| Illness cover | No | Some plans bundle it |
| Age limit | None, while employed | Typically 60–75 |
| Eligibility | SOCSO-registered employees only (self-employed have a separate scheme) | Anyone |
Bottom line: a low-cost supplementary layer, not a replacement for a well-structured PA policy — especially if you have dependants, travel overseas often, or earn well above RM6,000.
Example: What SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam Pays Out for an RM5,000/Month Employee
Here’s a worked example showing what someone earning RM5,000 a month would pay, and what they’d receive if they were involved in a covered accident.
For RM37.50/month, this employee gets real income replacement and free medical treatment — but it’s a base layer, not full income protection, especially as salary approaches the RM6,000 ceiling.
When to Opt In or Opt Out of SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam
Consider Opting In
- You have no personal accident insurance at all
- You’re a lower-to-middle income earner — RM45/month is a meaningful, affordable safety net
- You want basic coverage without medical underwriting
- You’re an older worker (60+) struggling to get or renew private PA cover
Consider Opting Out
- You already hold adequate private PA or life insurance with broader coverage
- You’re a higher-income earner — the RM6,000 cap is disproportionately small
- You travel overseas frequently — SOCSO won’t help if injured abroad
- You’d rather put the money toward a policy that also covers illness
From 13 July 2026, opting out means downloading and signing PERKESO’s withdrawal form (“Borang Perakuan Pelepasan Liabiliti”) and informing your employer — but it also means giving up all protection under this scheme, with no refund on contributions already paid. You can rejoin later if you change your mind, but PERKESO has warned against repeatedly opting in and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam still mandatory in 2026?
How much is the SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam contribution?
What does Lindung 24 Jam cover?
Does Lindung 24 Jam replace private personal accident insurance?
How do I opt out of Lindung 24 Jam?
Should You Opt In or Opt Out of SOCSO Lindung 24 Jam?
Use both together, rather than picking one.
The Safety Rope
Lindung 24 Jam — cheap, basic protection for accidents outside work.
The Lump Sum Generator
Private PA insurance — a bigger payout for major costs, like adapting a home after a serious injury.
- Employees: No PA insurance today? Opt in. Already covered? It’s optional.
- Employers: Communicate the change to your staff, and keep a record of it.
The information on this page is obtained or derived from a variety of publicly available sources for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as accounting, tax, insurance, or other professional advice. You are advised to seek further guidance from PERKESO (SOCSO) before making a decision based on this article.