Written by Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Norma Mansor, this article examines public reactions to the Government's decision to make the Non-Employment Injury Scheme (Lindung 24 Jam) voluntary. The article highlights the importance of evaluating social protection policies based on the legal and institutional principles of social insurance rather than comparing them with commercial insurance products.
Administered by PERKESO, the scheme operates through collective risk pooling, where contributions are combined into a common fund to provide financial protection for workers involved in accidents outside working hours. This approach strengthens social security while reducing individual financial risk.
Contributions are paid into a shared social security fund rather than individual savings accounts. As such, policy changes do not automatically entitle contributors to receive refunds of their contributions.
The scheme has successfully processed claims involving off-the-job accidents, demonstrating its effectiveness in providing timely financial assistance and helping to prevent affected households from falling into poverty.
The Ministry of Human Resources and PERKESO will issue detailed operational guidelines outlining workers' choices and employers' responsibilities under the revised voluntary participation framework.