{
  "id": 5069719,
  "title": "Sarawak MTUC backs Lindung 24/7 scheme, calls extra contribution reasonable",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/sarawak-mtuc-backs-lindung-24-7-scheme-calls-extra-contribution-5069719",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T10:13:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/09/02/sarawak-mtuc-backs-lindung-24-7-scheme-calls-extra-contribution-reasonable"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress has endorsed Perkeso's Lindung 24/7 scheme, deeming the supplementary 0.75% contribution a justifiable investment for workers' long-term well-being, according to Zaidi Nasar, the Sarawak MTUC chairman. The scheme guarantees that both workers and their families are safeguarded financially in the event of accidents that occur outside of working hours. This coverage encompasses medical expenses, disability benefits, and allowances for dependents, which can accumulate to tens of thousands of ringgit.\n\nNasar emphasized that in a time of escalating living costs, this scheme ensures that each contribution generates substantial returns. Suara Sarawak quoted him as stating that the scheme aligns with the International Labour Organization's principles, recognizing social protection as an inherent human right. MTUC President Abdul Halim Mansor previously criticized his secretary-general, Kamarul Baharin Mansor, for threatening to protest the Lindung 24/7 scheme. Halim advocated for continued dialogues with Perkeso and the government to address workers' concerns regarding the scheme. He also disagreed with the assertion that Lindung 24/7 was implemented without consulting workers and key stakeholders. Unlike conventional Perkeso models, Lindung 24/7 is wholly funded by workers, with contributions starting at 0.75% of monthly wages, escalating to 1% by the third year and 1.25% from the sixth year.",
  "summary": "Chairman Zaidi Nasar says the initiative ensures that workers and their families are financially protected against accidents occurring outside working hours.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}