Over 800,000 Individuals Contributing To PERKESO's 'Lindung Kendiri’ Scheme

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 Feb (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat was told today that a total of 869,913 self-employed individuals have registered and are actively contributing under the Social Security Organisation's (PERKESO) Skim Lindung Kendiri (Self-Employed Scheme) as of Dec 31, 2025.

Deputy Human Resource Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that, of the total, 299,674 are gig-sector workers, including e-hailing.

He said the overall figure reflects the growing awareness among the self-employed of the importance of social protection, especially in a dynamic and changing job landscape.

"The rapid growth of digitalisation has altered the country's labour market, with more people from the younger generation and low-income group choosing more flexible jobs or gigs as their main source of income,” he said.

He was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) on the methods used to assess the long-term impact of social protection schemes in the gig field.

Elaborating, Khairul Firdaus said there are significant differences between permanent and gig workers, particularly in terms of social security coverage.

As such, the government is taking an approach to strengthen protection through Skim Lindung Kendiri, which is managed by PERKESO, in line with the Self-Employment Social Security Act 2017 (Act 789).

He said the scheme provides the self-employed with comprehensive protection against illnesses and accidents while carrying out their work.

The scheme also provides medical benefits, temporary and permanent disability benefits, survivor benefits, funeral management benefits and education loans.

The ministry also provides an upskilling and reskilling platform to ensure gig workers have resilience and long-term income continuity.

-- BERNAMA