Progressive Insurance chairman Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman (second right) presents Masidi with a token of appreciation at the end of the event.
KOTA KINABALU (May 16): The Sabah government has officially launched a landmark insurance protection scheme aimed at providing personal accident coverage to approximately 2.7 million residents across the state.
The initiative was inaugurated today by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
The scheme, which targets especially the underprivileged, is being hailed as a significant step in strengthening social safety nets in Sabah.
Masidi emphasized that this is the first initiative of its kind in the state, designed with the people’s welfare — particularly the B40 group — in mind.
“This is the first time we’ve introduced a social protection scheme of this scale. We hope it will pave the way for more safety nets and welfare-driven programs in the future,” he said.
Funded by a RM50 million allocation over three years, the scheme provides personal accident insurance to all Sabahans automatically, without any application process.
“It’s very simple. People do not need to apply because we already have the data. Around 2.7 million Sabahans will be covered automatically,” Masidi explained.
Claims can be made at district council offices or any branch of Progressive Insurance. The process requires only three key documents: proof of Malaysian and Sabahan status, a police report of the accident, and a hospital report confirming injury or death. Claims will be processed within 14 to 30 days.
The cost of the scheme is RM7 per person annually. Masidi described this as a small price for a significant layer of financial security, citing cases where families could not afford funeral arrangements following unexpected deaths.
“There have been heartbreaking instances where even bringing a body home was delayed due to financial constraints. We hope this scheme will help ease that burden,” he said.
He firmly dismissed suggestions that the scheme is politically motivated, stating, “If every good policy is branded as an election gimmick, then nothing will ever get done. Accidents don’t wait for elections — they can happen at any time.”
Implemented through state-owned Progressive Insurance Bhd, the scheme provides free accident coverage worth up to RM10,000 and a RM500 death benefit for all Sabah residents aged between one month and 80 years.
The launch followed a briefing attended by district council officials, community development officers and local leaders.
Masidi noted that spreading awareness to rural communities remains the key challenge.
“Our real challenge is not the system, but ensuring people know about the scheme and how to benefit from it,” he said, expressing hope that local leaders will serve as advocates, educating their communities and assisting with claims.
“This is not about politics. It’s about dignity, care and the right of every Sabahan to live with a sense of security,” he concluded.
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