Malaysians have expressed support for the government’s plan to introduce basic health insurance and takaful products, but they are also stressing that lower insurance premiums should not compromise the quality of healthcare services.
As part of the proposed plan, which focuses on value-based healthcare, many citizens are calling on the government to enhance services at public hospitals to meet the needs of all Malaysians. While the proposal is still in the discussion phase, the public is eager for more information on the plan’s specifics.
Ashley Tang, a 34-year-old content writer, highlighted concerns over rising insurance premiums, noting that these increases are outpacing wage growth. “Our salaries aren’t keeping up with inflation,” Tang said, explaining why many Malaysians are turning to private health insurance.
“The long waiting periods at government hospitals push people to seek private insurance,” she added, pointing out the challenges of accessing timely care in the public sector.
In response to these concerns, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Health, and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) are collaborating to create affordable health insurance and takaful products. These products will focus on value-based healthcare and aim to reduce the rising premiums associated with medical insurance.
Dr. Ahmad Zahid also revealed that measures are being considered to control the growth of insurance premiums, including the introduction of premium adjustment fees and alternative product options.
Retiree Edmund Gunapalan, 62, welcomed the initiative but stressed that lowering premiums should not lead to substandard care. “The government must ensure that attempts to reduce premiums will not sacrifice the quality of healthcare and insurance coverage,” he said.
Gunapalan, who currently pays around RM6,000 annually for medical insurance, believes that more affordable health policies could ease the financial strain caused by the rising cost of living. “It will definitely help my family,” he added.
Tracy Gunapalan, a 26-year-old sub-editor, also supports the initiative but insists that more details be provided to the public. “I pay over RM300 a month, which is a significant amount for me given my salary,” she said, stressing the importance of making basic healthcare accessible to people from all income levels.
Pravin Rasu, a 33-year-old customer service representative, is hopeful that the initiative will lead to more affordable insurance for younger Malaysians, who are also grappling with the rising cost of living. “It will definitely bring down insurance prices for the youth,” he said.
Rasu emphasized the need for universal access to healthcare, saying, “Healthcare is a human right, and we must ensure that no one is excluded from receiving basic healthcare.”
As the government moves forward with the proposal, the public continues to call for a balance between affordability and quality care in the country’s healthcare system.
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