Lau says the move could help ease operating costs and reduce the financial burden on businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while giving employers greater operational flexibility.
KUCHING (July 10): Community leader Kapitan Dato Lau Sie Lok believes that the federal Cabinet took various perspectives into account before deciding to make the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Non-Employment Injury Scheme (Lindung 24) voluntary.
He said the move could help ease operating costs and reduce the financial burden on businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while giving employers greater operational flexibility.
“Protecting employees’ rights and interests remains a significant issue that cannot be overlooked.
“Employees are company’s valuable asset. Whether during working hours or outside work premises, if accident occurs, comprehensive Socso protection can ease the financial burden on employees while helping companies fulfill their social responsibility and build a positive corporate image,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Lau said companies can still opt for Lindung 24 coverage for their employees even though participation is no longer mandatory.
He urged employers not to neglect employee protection simply because the scheme has become voluntary.
“A comprehensive protection system not only strengthens employees’ sense of belonging to the company, but also helps stabilise human resources and reduce the social and family burdens caused by accidents.
“For employees, this protection also provides peace of mind, enabling them to focus more on their work and create greater value for the company,” he said.
Lau also suggested that the government intensify public awareness and education efforts so employers and employees can better understand the scheme’s coverage, practical benefits and success stories of Lindung 24.
He said this could improve public understanding and encourage participation, rather than seeing employers opt out due to lack of awareness.
In addition, he proposed that the government consider introducing appropriate tax incentives or other reward mechanisms to encourage more companies to participate voluntarily, creating a win-win situation for businesses, employees and the government.
“I respect the government’s policy direction of giving businesses greater autonomy in making their own choices.
“At the same time, I hope supporting measures will continue to be strengthened to ensure employees’ basic rights and interests remain protected,” he said.
Lau added that while accidents cannot be predicted, having an additional layer of protection provides greater future security.
“Protecting employees is not only a responsibility that companies should fulfill, but also an important step towards building a caring society,” he added.