Injured at work? PERKESO has you covered

 

Azlan worked in the inventory division of a logistics company, managing stock and operating a forklift in the warehouse.

He was no stranger to tight schedules, tall shelves, and the constant rhythm of loading and unloading goods. It was a demanding job, but one he took seriously.

One morning, during a routine shift, Azlan lost control of the forklift while manoeuvring around a stacked pallet. The vehicle lurched forward unexpectedly, and in the scramble to avoid a collision, his leg was pinned against a metal rack. The result: a fractured thigh bone that would put him out of work for weeks.

Thankfully, Azlan was covered under PERKESO’s Employment Injury Scheme. His treatment, including surgery, hospital stay, and follow-up physiotherapy, was fully taken care of. 

Workplace accidents like Azlan’s can happen when you least expect them. That’s why it’s crucial for Malaysian workers to understand the protection available to them through PERKESO.

The Employment Injury Scheme offers coverage for work-related accidents, while the Invalidity Scheme provides 24-hour protection for serious illnesses or disabilities not related to work.

Both are designed to ensure that workers - and their families - don’t fall through the cracks when the unexpected happens.

Employment Injury Scheme: For work-related accidents and illnesses

This scheme provides protection for employees who suffer injuries or contract diseases in the course of their work. It includes:

• Accidents at the workplace

• Accidents while commuting (under specified conditions)

• Occupational diseases due to job-related exposure

• Accidents during emergency rescue efforts (at the employer’s premises)

What benefits are included?

1. Medical treatment
   Workers can access free treatment at panel clinics or government hospitals. Reimbursement is available in specific cases.

2. Temporary disablement benefit
   If an injury prevents the employee from working temporarily, 80 percent of their daily wage is paid during the medical leave period (subject to a minimum of RM30 and a maximum of RM158.67 per day).

3. Permanent disablement benefit
   For long-term disability, the worker receives 90 percent of their daily wage. If the disability is assessed above 20 percent, part of the payment may be taken as a lump sum.

4. Constant-attendance allowance
   An additional RM500 per month is provided if full-time personal care is required.

5. Dependants’ benefit
   In the event of death from a work-related accident, the family - spouse, children, or parents - will receive a monthly payment of up to 90 percent of the deceased’s daily wage.

6. Funeral benefit
   A one-off RM3,000 payment is available to help with funeral expenses.

7. Education benefit
   Children of deceased or permanently disabled workers may receive educational assistance.

8. Rehabilitation support
   This includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, prosthetic appliances, and job retraining, helping injured workers return to the workforce.

   

Invalidity scheme: Protection for non-work-related disability or death

This scheme covers employees who suffer from chronic illnesses, permanent disability, or death due to any cause before age 60. It is available 24/7 and applies even outside of working hours.

Who qualifies?

• Private-sector employees under the age of 60

• Individuals who have contributed for at least 24 months within a 40-month period, or meet alternative reduced qualifying conditions

What are the key benefits?

1. Invalidity pension
   Eligible employees receive 50 to 65 percent of their average monthly wage, depending on the length of their contribution. The minimum monthly payment is RM550.

2. Invalidity grant
   If the worker is medically certified as permanently invalid but doesn’t meet the full contribution criteria, they may receive a lump sum equal to their contributions plus interest.

3. Constant-attendance allowance
   RM500 per month is provided for individuals who require round-the-clock care.

4. Rehabilitation and dialysis support
   Includes physical and vocational rehabilitation, as well as dialysis treatment for eligible conditions.

5. Survivors’ pension
   If a contributor dies before age 60 or while receiving an invalidity pension, their dependents are entitled to monthly payments based on the insured’s previous wages.

6. Funeral and education benefits
   Additional support includes a funeral payment and educational assistance for children.

Contribution structure

For workers under 60, both schemes are funded through monthly contributions:

• Employer pays: 1.75 percent of the employee’s monthly salary

• Employee pays: 0.5 percent of their monthly salary

For workers aged 60 and above - or those who started working after age 55 - only the Employment Injury Scheme applies. In this case:

• Employer pays: 1.25 percent

• Employee contributes: Not required

As of July 1, 2024, foreign workers are now also covered under the Invalidity Scheme, strengthening protection for Malaysia’s diverse workforce.

Your safety net

Workplace accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen to anyone. But with proper coverage, the road to recovery doesn’t have to be financially overwhelming.

PERKESO’s social protection schemes are designed to ensure that workers receive the medical care, income support, and rehabilitation they need - whether the injury happens on the job or not.

For more information, visit www.perkeso.gov.my or speak to a representative at your nearest PERKESO office.  - Mkini

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This Social Security series is in collaboration with PERKESO.