Non-employment Injury Scheme Will Benefit All Malaysians — Lee Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The government’s move to extend social security coverage to non-employment injuries has been welcomed as a long-awaited measure that will benefit all Malaysians,  social protection advocate Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said. 

He said accidents and injuries can occur anytime and anywhere, not only at the workplace, making it essential for workers to be protected beyond regular working hours.

“In today’s fast-paced world, workers face risks both on the job and in their daily lives. Road accidents, slips, falls, and other unforeseen incidents can cause serious harm and leave families vulnerable if there is no adequate protection in place,” he said in a statement to Bernama. 

He was responding to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that the government will soon introduce a Non-Employment Injury Scheme to address the growing prevalence of flexible and remote work arrangements.

Anwar was reported as saying that the scheme is part of efforts to strengthen the legal framework to ensure that workers are protected beyond standard working hours.

Lee said round-the-clock coverage will provide workers with the assurance that their welfare is safeguarded regardless of when or where an accident occurs.

“This is crucial as workers are the backbone of our economy, and their safety and well-being must always be a national priority,” he added.

Lee said extending protection to non-employment injuries will move Malaysia towards a more comprehensive and humane social security system, strengthening the safety net for workers and reducing financial hardship for families.

He also called on all stakeholders — the government, employers and employees — to support the initiative to ensure that every worker is protected 24 hours a day.

— BERNAMA