{
  "id": 4993997,
  "title": "MTUC chief slams sec-gen’s threat to protest Lindung 24/7",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/mtuc-chief-slams-sec-gens-threat-to-protest-lindung-24-7",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-02T02:06:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/02/mtuc-chief-slams-sec-gen-s-threat-to-protest-lindung-24-7"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysian Trade Unions Congress (MTUC) president Abdul Halim Mansor condemned his secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor for planning to protest against the Perkeso Lindung 24/7 scheme. Halim asserted that he respected the right to speak up on behalf of workers, yet disagreed with picketing in this case. He advocated for continued dialogue with Perkeso and the government to address workers' concerns about the scheme. Halim also refuted the claim that Lindung 24/7 was introduced without consultation, noting that discussions about expanding social security to accidents outside of work hours have been ongoing for years. The MTUC participated in a series of engagements across 13 locations since 2018, with more than 1,400 individuals involved. Halim expressed willingness to continue discussions on issues such as contribution rates, implementation, and other aspects. He defended the Lindung 24/7 scheme, emphasizing its role in addressing a long-standing gap in workers' protection, safeguarding families from unwanted incidents outside work hours. The scheme is optional, with the government taking stakeholder views into account by making participation voluntary. Halim suggested that the government has given workers ample time to decide their involvement in Lindung 24/7. The scheme is fully funded by workers, unlike traditional Perkeso models that rely mainly on employer contributions. Contributions begin at 0.75% of monthly wages, increasing to 1% after three years and 1.25% thereafter. Employers remit the amount to Perkeso alongside regular monthly contributions, enabling eligible workers to receive coverage without needing a separate policy. Yesterday, Kamarul announced pickets at Perkeso offices across the country to protest Lindung 24/7's implementation and urge the organization to hold immediate discussions with workers' representatives.",
  "summary": "MTUC president denies that the Perkeso scheme was introduced without consulting stakeholders, says discussions have been ongoing since 2018.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "SNAPSHOT | Greater certainty vital for future of Budi95 quota; PSM backs MTUC's picket call on Lindung 24 Jam",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/snapshot-greater-certainty-vital-for-future-of-budi95-quota-psm-backs",
        "published": "2026-09-02T01:09:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "MTUC chief slams sec-gen’s threat to protest Lindung 24/7",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/mtuc-chief-slams-sec-gens-threat-to-protest-lindung-24-7-4995978",
        "published": "2026-09-02T02:06:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}