KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — Contributors who remain under the Lindung 24 Jam Scheme, as well as those making mandatory contributions to the Lindung Kendiri Scheme, will be eligible for additional tax relief of up to RM150 under Budget 2027.

The Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), in a statement today, said the initiative is expected to benefit more than 8.5 million Lindung 24 Jam contributors and 1.7 million Lindung Kendiri contributors.

“The Lindung 24 Jam Scheme recorded 10,424 claims in its first four months of implementation, averaging 85 claims a day and highlighting the need for protection against risks that extend beyond working hours.

“It is hoped that the incentive will encourage more people to obtain coverage under Lindung 24 Jam, including those who had previously opted out but may now rejoin, while also increasing participation in Lindung Kendiri,” it said.

Under Budget 2027, e-hailing and p-hailing workers will also receive a 35 per cent matching contribution from Perkeso, with the rate increasing to 50 per cent if platform companies also contribute towards their social security payments.

A 70 per cent matching contribution incentive will also be extended to more than 200,000 self-employed individuals across 17 non-mandatory sectors to ease their contribution burden and broaden access to social security protection.

“Perkeso welcomes the initiative and will ensure that all operational and system preparations are in place to enable self-employed individuals to contribute to Lindung Kendiri and benefit from the matching contribution incentive,” it said.

Meanwhile, more than 40,000 religious functionaries, including imams, bilals, tok siak, noja and marbut and takmir teachers, will also benefit from Perkeso coverage funded by Lembaga Tabung Haji.

Perkeso will also provide health screening vouchers to commercial heavy vehicle drivers aged 40 and above under the Safe and Healthy Driver (PSS) programme to facilitate the early detection of health issues and reduce driving-related risks. — Bernama 

Note: Perkeso is also known as Socso, the English acronym for Social Security Organisation.