Merchantrade Asia introduces enhanced healthcare plan with private healthcare access and infant coverage
MERCHANTRADE Asia Sdn Bhd has announced the availability of Mi Medic Pro, a groundbreaking healthcare insurance plan specifically designed for underserved communities such as migrant workers, refugees, and low-income families in Malaysia.
Underwritten by MCIS Insurance Berhad, Mi Medic Pro offers affordable protection for individuals of all ages, from infants as young as 30 days old up to 65 years, for just RM25 per month or RM300 annually and is the only healthcare insurance in Malaysia that allows self-purchase by foreign workers.
Mi Medic Pro aims to make healthcare more affordable for everyone, including the youngest members of our community.
This plan offers up to RM12,000 annually to help pay for hospital in-patient treatments at both government and a wide network of private hospitals across Malaysia.
Mi Medic Pro is more inclusive as it accepts a wider range of identification, making it easier for underserved people to get the healthcare protection they need.
Employers and foreign worker agencies invest so much in bringing them here and need to ensure they have access to quality healthcare.
Getting care at congested government hospitals can be time consuming, so having more options for faster treatments ultimately benefits all parties. Mi Medic Pro offers significantly better protection for just a fraction of the cost compared to government-assisted insurance schemes that are available today.
Merchantrade chief commercial officer Ivan Alias emphasised the company's dedication to helping communities, saying that the new healthcare plan indicates its strong commitment to being inclusive.
'We use technology to help people who are often overlooked. By working with MCIS Life, we can offer good and easy-to-access insurance that makes healthcare affordable for everyone,' he added.
'A particularly important part of Mi Medic Pro is that it covers infants as young as 30 days old. We know that many foreign nationals, migrants, and even Malaysian families struggle to find affordable healthcare options.
'This plan is a big step towards protecting vulnerable communities from unexpected medical bills. Covering babies from such a young age is especially important for migrant families who often face challenges getting timely medical care for their children due to crowded public hospitals.
'Mi Medic Pro helps by giving them access to a wider private healthcare network when they need it most.'
One such case involved a UNHCR cardholder who needed surgery and treatment immediately.
Facing costs of nearly RM5,000, which was a huge financial problem, they were able to get the necessary treatment, and a one-night hospital stay thanks to Mi Medic Pro. This meant their health wasn't put at risk because of money or accessibility.
Meanwhile, MCIS Life chief executive officer Prasheem Seebran noted that this partnership with Merchantrade Asia shows their shared goal of making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone.
'By extending this coverage to underserved communities, we can help families and individuals, no matter their background, get good medical care when they need it most,' he remarked.
'This partnership fills important gaps in healthcare and shows how important it is to work together to find solutions for those who are vulnerable.'
Applying for Mi Medic Pro is simple and convenient. Individuals can purchase the plans directly from any Merchantrade branch nationwide or consult with appointed sales representatives for in-person assistance.
For more information about MI Medic Pro Insurance, visit https://mtradeasia.com/insure. – April 23, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
Sharp land tax increase puts financial pressure on Miri cooperative
Chong (third left) presides over the cooperative's AGM. MIRI (June 9): Koperasi Petani-Petani Miri Berhad has voiced serious concern over a sharp spike in its annual land tax, which has surged by 325 per cent – from RM440 to RM4,249 – posing a significant challenge to its 2025 financial planning. During its annual general meeting yesterday, secretary Oscar Chai revealed that the 2024 budget had only allocated RM1,000 for land tax, leaving a shortfall of RM3,249 due to the unexpected increase. 'The 2024 budget had only allocated RM1,000 for land tax. This unexpected increase left us a shortfall of RM3,429. 'In addition, Telekom Malaysia's rate hike in communication charges resulted in costs exceeding the initial budget by RM3602.10,' said Chai. The cumulative impact of these increases has led to a deficit of RM802.10, he highlighted. To address the situation, members of the cooperative unanimously agreed to adjust and subsidise the budget shortfalls for land tax and communication expenses. Meanwhile, board chairman Chong Vui Kuok proposed an 8.5 per cent dividend pay-out for the 2025 financial year – the highest in recent years – as a gesture of appreciation for members' continued support and contributions. 'In 2024, the cooperative recorded a total income of RM229, 722.00 and a net profit of RM67,433.00. 'This would not have been possible without the tireless support and trust of our members,' said Chong, adding that the board is committed to giving back to members through meaningful dividends. He further explained that the cooperative's income streams are primarily derived from dividends on investments in Bank Rakyat, agricultural land management fees, and rental income from shop lots and fixed deposits. In 2024 alone, it received RM91,439.15 in dividends from its RM554,207.00 investment in Bank Rakyat, he added. The proposed dividend distribution will be finalised upon member agreement and internal approval. Currently, the cooperative has 300 registered members managing over 300 acres of agricultural land. Beyond financial matters, the cooperative also reported efforts to upgrade and maintain critical agricultural infrastructure – including drainage systems, weed control, and road access. It also announced that new land lease agreements are being finalised to ensure fairness and improved returns for members managing larger land plots. These initiatives underscore the cooperative's strategic commitment to sustainable growth, financial prudence, and long-term member benefits. Koperasi Petani-Petani Miri Berhad land tax lead Oscar Chai
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
In today's climate, some don't have the luxury of retirement
PETALING JAYA: Raising the retirement age to 65 will help seniors achieve greater financial stability. Lee Peng Joo, 70, said he works as a part-time electrical chargeman in his free time due to high demand from his former acquaintances in the industry. Needing to only do safety and operational checks on high-voltage electrical installations, Lee said the work is fairly simple and allows him to earn extra income without much hassle. 'I work under contract, so I typically only have to check an installation once a month, which normally takes less than half an hour at each site, and write an inspection report after that. 'It's technical work that keeps my mind fresh. It's not physically demanding so I don't have to worry about getting injured,' he said. Lee would love to continue working until he is 75 years old. A human resource executive who wanted to be known only as Johari said there is 'no choice but to work until I can't'. 'The cost of things isn't getting any cheaper, and I still have to get my youngest boy through university. Business owner G. James, 67, who runs an accounting firm, said he decided to continue working to reduce dependence on his children, who are all working. 'For me, it's a personal preference. 'Although my wife and three children have persuaded me to let go of the business since we're already doing well, I don't want to trouble anyone by asking for money. 'By continuously working past 60, I can still earn for my wife and myself,' he said. > see next page 'Every time there are proposals for the retirement age to be increased, I have no issue with it, but it must serve as a transition period for the younger up-and-coming talents. 'We won't be here forever and have to pass the torch one day,' he said. In the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, The Star met up with some retired seniors who have no other choice but to continue working to make ends meet. One such retiree is a 71-year-old man, who only wanted to be known as M, who runs his own roadside stall in Pudu selling miscellaneous items. M, who worked in a tailor shop before he retired over a decade ago, said he was forced to turn to running a small business as he needs money for daily expenses. 'I'm currently staying with my son who gives me pocket money once in a while, but it's not enough for my daily needs. 'I would rather earn my own income than depend solely on my son, to provide for me,' he said. Items sold at M's store include reading glasses and sunglasses for RM15 each that he had bought from wholesalers who were clearing stock. He also sells nail clippers and batteries for around RM5 each. Conditions were not so good for another retiree aged 78, who only wanted to be known as Awa, as he struggled to earn money to cover his room rental and daily needs. Awa, who is not married and has no kids, rents a small room in Pudu for RM200 a month. He worked as a construction worker until he was forced to retire two decades ago, which led to his savings eventually drying up about five years ago. He now covers his expenses by selling socks and phone cables at his roadside stall. 'My day usually begins early as I try to find a place to set up my stall beside a walkway by 8am and work until 3pm. 'I get the socks and cables from small convenience stores around the area, then resell them for a small margin that is just barely enough for my daily meals and rental costs,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Majuperak plots growth in renewable energy, housing and tourism after strategic reset
KUALA LUMPUR: Majuperak Holdings Bhd is charting its next phase of growth on the back of a three-year transformation plan, said group chief executive officer Muhammad Yazurin Sallij. After a year of restructuring, the Perak state-linked company returned to the black in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1) with a net profit of RM1.45 million, buoyed largely on one-off land sales and dividend gains. Muhammad Yazurin Sallij said the company is now focused on delivering organic growth, anchored by a series of initiatives in property development, renewable energy and tourism. "We look forward to a strengthened second half of 2025, primarily driven by the Taman Tasik Ardea development, which is a key revenue and profit contributor," he told Business Times, adding that it will serve as a central pillar of Majuperak's recurring income strategy. A significant portion of Majuperak's Q1 earnings came from non-recurring items including a RM5 million land disposal and RM697,000 in dividend income. At the same time, operating cash flow remained negative while receivables more than doubled, suggesting potential pressure on collections or the structuring of recent deals. Still, Muhammad Yazurin maintains that the group is on firmer footing following its 2024 reset. "We are transforming into a leaner, performance-driven organisation with enhanced governance and a sharper mandate aligned to state priorities," he said. Majuperak's expansion into renewable energy via its subsidiary Majuperak Energy Resources Sdn Bhd forms part of its long-term strategy though the segment's current scale remains modest. The unit posted a segment profit of RM672,000 in Q1, reversing a RM60,000 loss a year earlier, according to the company's latest unaudited financial report. Looking ahead, Muhammad Yazurin said initiatives such as commercial solar rooftops, electric vehicle charging hubs and solar street lighting are set to launch this year. He added larger-scale solar projects involving Shizen International Inc, MK Land Holdings Bhd and Gamuda Bhd are expected to start contributing revenue from 2026. Tourism, another strategic pillar, is being scaled with developments at Teluk Batik Resort and Gua Tempurung. The group aims to replicate the success of Tasik Cermin, which reportedly drew 1.2 million visitors. On the commercial front, Majuperak has converted the former Silveritage Galleria into Bazar Ipoh with 94 per cent occupancy and plans to expand programming through a one-stop centre for Perak-made products. In property development, several new housing schemes are in the pipeline, including the RM64.6 million Trong Bakti project slated for the fourth quarter and the RM48 million Changkat Rembian development set for early 2026. The group's pivot toward affordable housing in Perak, including ongoing developments in Batu Gajah, Langkap, Chemor and Ulu Kinta, is expected to form the backbone of its earnings base. However, the segment remains vulnerable to market conditions particularly in terms of demand absorption and rising construction costs. "The group has taken steps to strengthen our board, improve governance and restore financial discipline. We are determined to uplift our current status and continue delivering value to shareholders," said Muhammad Yazurin. On Friday, Majuperak shares rose one sen or 7.69 per cent to close at 14 sen, with 25,800 units traded. This valued the company at RM39.82 million. Year-to-date, it has fallen 28.2 per cent from 19.5 sen on Jan 2.
