Perkeso’s i-Lindung No Longer Mandatory, Doctor Raises Alarm Over Implications For Malaysians

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Perkeso’s Lindung 24 Jam scheme, which had been widely criticised by Malaysians for its mandatory monthly deduction, is now officially voluntary.

This was announced yesterday by the Madani government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil following a Cabinet meeting.

Fahmi said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim received pushback from the public especially those in the low income group. It remains mandatory for foreign workers.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) medical lecturer Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh says Malaysians without insurance or protection plans risk facing financial strain when unexpected medical emergencies occur, amid the move to make Perkeso’s Lindung 24 Jam voluntary.

This however raises a valid concern: Money saved today, but for how long?

Dr Sharifa said many Malaysians tend to overlook the importance of having financial protection until they are faced with unexpected accidents, illnesses or rising medical expenses.

“Without any form of protection, workers bear the financial risk themselves should they be involved in an accident outside working hours. Even though the i-Lindung 24 Jam contribution is only 0.75 per cent, it serves as an important safety net,” she said in a WhatsApp reply to TRP.

Dr Sharifa said that workers who choose not to participate should consider obtaining alternative protection through personal medical insurance, takaful or group insurance plans provided by employers.

She added that employers could also voluntarily contribute towards their employees’ protection under corporate employee benefit schemes, depending on their internal policies and eligibility criteria.

“As Malaysia moves towards becoming an ageing nation and healthcare costs continue to rise, having some form of financial protection is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” she said.

The Lindung 24 Jam scheme previously would have benefited nine million contributors under the Employees’ Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4) following its implementation from 1 June. The contributions from workers were calculated based on a maximum insurable monthly wage of RM6,000.

Under the first phase, employees will contribute 0.75% of their monthly salary, while employers will be responsible for deducting the contribution from wages and remitting it to Perkeso on a monthly basis.

With Malaysia fast approaching aged nation status, the fact that many Malaysians still lack any form of financial or medical protection should something happen to them is deeply concerning.

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Perkeso’s i-Lindung No Longer Mandatory, Doctor Raises Alarm Over Implications For Malaysians
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