KUALA LUMPUR: Claims under the Lindung 24 Jam scheme have more than tripled last month compared with the month before, underscoring a growing demand for round-the-clock social protection.
The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) said the number of claims jumped from 616 in June to 2,135 last month, and benefit payments for more than 90 per cent of all the cases were approved in less than five days.
A total of RM3.45 million was disbursed to 2,508 beneficiaries.
The payments covered medical reimbursement, temporary disablement, funeral expenses, dependants' benefits, rehabilitation equipment and implants, as well as other assistance.
Rehabilitation equipment and implants accounted for the largest share of the payouts at more than RM2.5 million.
Meanwhile, more than RM842,564 was paid under temporary disablement benefits to replace lost income and support contributors and their families during medical leave.
Cumulative benefit payments during the first two months of the scheme reached RM4.69 million, including about RM3.69 million for rehabilitation equipment and implants, and more than RM909,800 for temporary disablement benefits.
The figures did not include long-term benefits paid to the contributors' next of kin, which exceeded RM2 million.
Perkeso said the data showed broad social protection has enabled more workers to access financial assistance following accidents, reducing the need to rely on personal savings.
Although participation in the Lindung 24 Jam scheme remains voluntary for local workers, Perkeso is calling on all contributors to maintain the coverage amid the rising number of accidents occurring outside working hours.
"The sharp increase in Lindung 24 Jam benefit claims highlights the need for comprehensive social protection regardless of when or where an accident occurs.
"The scheme ensures contributors and their families are not left to shoulder the financial burden alone while providing access to rehabilitation support to help them return to work," it said.
Perkeso added that it will continue to strengthen service delivery by ensuring claims are processed swiftly and assistance reaches the beneficiaries as quickly as possible.