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The amendment to the Employees Social Security Act 1969 ensures round-the-clock accident protection for all formal workers, a shift KESUMA said reflects modern work patterns, including hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat has approved the Employees Social Security Act (Amendment) Bill 2025 [Act 4], marking what the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) described as a new phase in strengthening the country’s social protection network.
The bill, presented by YB Steven Sim Chee Keong, Human Resources Minister on 2 December 2025, aims to make Malaysia’s social security system more comprehensive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of today’s labour market.
A new 24/7 Protection Scheme under SOCSO
At the centre of the amendment is the introduction of the 24/7 protection scheme under the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). This round-the-clock accident protection scheme removes the traditional limitation of working hours, a shift KESUMA said reflects modern work patterns, including hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
With this expanded coverage, more than 9.6mn active contributors in the formal sector are expected to benefit. The ministry noted that this enhancement addresses an existing gap, particularly where accident claims were previously rejected because they occurred outside working hours.
Key improvements under the 24/7 protection scheme
Under the amendment, workers will receive round-the-clock protection with coverage 24 hours a day and seven days a week, without needing to prove that an accident happened during working hours. This update also addresses a long-standing concern, as 12,306 claims filed between 2023 and October 2025 were previously rejected because they were classified as non-work-related. With the new scheme, all formal workers will be covered regardless of when or where an accident occurs.
In terms of benefits, contributors will continue to have access to the full range of SOCSO provisions. These include medical benefits, the Temporary Disability Benefit (FHUS), Permanent Disability Benefit (FHUK), Dependent’s Benefit (FOT), and the Constant Service Allowance (ELS). The scheme also provides Funeral Management Benefits (FPM), physical or vocational rehabilitation facilities, and an educational loan facility.
Minister highlights changing work realities
During the wrap-up of the debate, the YB Steven Sim said the 24/7 protection scheme is expected to ease the financial burden faced by workers and their families, particularly in areas such as medical treatment, disability management and rehabilitation. He added that the amendment sets a stronger benchmark for Malaysia’s social protection system, placing it closer to the standards practiced in developed countries.
He noted that the shift towards hybrid work and flexible arrangements has blurred the line between work and personal life. People now work from home, from cafés and even from parks while caring for their children. Yet only 42% of workers currently have personal accident insurance or takaful.
“That is why the Government introduced the 24/7 protection scheme which protects workers even if the accident occurs outside working hours and is not directly related to their employment,” he said.
Commitment to ensure effective delivery
KESUMA has assured that the implementation of the scheme will be closely monitored to remain committed to ensuring effectiveness, transparency, and the fair and timely delivery of benefits once the scheme comes into force.
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Lead image / KESUMA Facebook
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