He said amendments to existing laws are in progress following Cabinet approval last year to facilitate the scheme’s implementation, Bernama reported.

“Skim Kemalangan Bukan Berpunca dari Pekerjaan (SKBBK) is not a new concept as it has been discussed for a long time, not only by previous governments but also by trade union members who see it as an important social security scheme.

“They recognise the importance of this scheme in providing protection not only when employees are at work but also in cases of accidents outside of working hours,” Sim was quoted as saying after attending a coordination meeting involving the various state executive councillors heading the human resources portfolio in Putrajaya today.

Earlier this month, the ministry expressed its intention to implement SKBBK to ensure 24-hour protection for eligible employees.

Last November, FMT reported that the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) is facing increased scrutiny over the delayed implementation of the scheme, designed to cover injuries sustained by workers outside their employment hours.