Sarawak MTUC backs Lindung 24/7 scheme, calls extra contribution reasonable
PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak chapter of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress has backed Perkeso’s Lindung 24/7 scheme, calling the additional 0.75% contribution a reasonable investment for workers’ long-term welfare.
Sarawak MTUC chairman Zaidi Nasar said the scheme ensured that workers and their families remained financially protected against accidents occurring outside working hours.
He noted that the coverage includes medical treatment costs, disability benefits, and dependents’ allowances that can amount to tens of thousands of ringgit.
“In an increasingly challenging cost-of-living environment, this scheme ensures that every contribution yields a return in the form of highly valuable, comprehensive protection,” Suara Sarawak quoted him as saying in a statement.
Zaidi said the scheme aligned with International Labour Organization principles, recognising social protection as a basic human right.
Earlier today, MTUC president Abdul Halim Mansor slammed his secretary-general, Kamarul Baharin Mansor, for threatening to protest against the Lindung 24/7 scheme.
Halim said a better approach would be to continue holding dialogues with Perkeso and the government to raise workers’ concerns about the scheme.
He also also disagreed with the notion that Lindung 24/7 was introduced without consulting workers and key stakeholders.
Lindung 24/7 is fully worker-funded, unlike traditional Perkeso models which are funded mainly by employers. Contributions start at 0.75% of monthly wages, rising to 1% in year three and 1.25% from the sixth year.
Yesterday, Kamarul said the contribution percentage was too high, claiming that unions were not consulted about the scheme.
He also said pickets would be held at Perkeso offices nationwide to protest Lindung 24/7’s implementation, and urged the organisation to hold immediate discussions with workers’ representatives.
