Sarawak MTUC backs Lindung 24/7 scheme, calls extra contribution reasonable
Chairman Zaidi Nasar says the initiative ensures that workers and their families are financially protected against accidents occurring outside working hours.
The Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has endorsed Perkeso's Lindung 24/7 scheme, asserting the 0.75% additional contribution is a justified investment in workers' long-term welfare. Zaidi Nasar, the Sarawak MTUC chairman, highlighted the scheme's comprehensive coverage, including medical treatment, disability benefits, and dependents' allowances, which can amount to tens of thousands of ringgit.
This protection becomes increasingly valuable in today's high cost-of-living environment, ensuring that every contribution yields significant returns, as Suara Sarawak reported. Nasar emphasized that the scheme adheres to International Labour Organization principles, viewing social protection as a fundamental human right. Meanwhile, MTUC President Abdul Halim Mansor criticized his secretary-general, Kamarul Baharin Mansor, for threatening a protest against the Lindung 24/7 scheme, suggesting a more productive approach would be to maintain dialogue with Perkeso and the government to address workers' concerns.
Halim also disputed claims that the scheme was implemented without worker consultation, noting that Lindung 24/7 is fully funded by workers, unlike traditional Perkeso models primarily funded by employers. Contributions to the scheme begin at 0.75% of monthly wages, increasing to 1% in year three and 1.25% from the sixth year. Kamarul had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the contribution percentage, alleging that unions were not involved in the scheme's design, and warned of pickets at Perkeso offices nationwide to protest the scheme's implementation, urging the organization to hold immediate discussions with workers' representatives.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
