Group insurance: Call for clearer eligibility
Published on: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Published on: Wed, May 21, 2025 Text Size: Dr Chong said a MyKad with the letter 'H' printed at the bottom right corner indicates Sabahan status, regardless of the state code. Kota Kinabalu: Activist-cum-surgeon Dr Chong Eng Leong called for clearer eligibility criteria in the newly announced Sabah Group Personal Accident Scheme, following concerns that the current requirements may exclude some genuine Sabahans. The scheme, which covers all Sabahans aged 30 days to 80 years, was announced by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. However, Dr Chong pointed out that the current condition, limiting coverage to those with MyKad or MyKid bearing Sabah state codes 12, 47, 48, or 49 may inadvertently leave out many Sabah-born individuals. 'The Minister may not be aware that some Sabahans do not have these codes on their MyKad,' said Dr Chong. He cited examples, including a current state minister whose MyKad bears the code '71' instead, as well as children of Sabahans born in other states due to their parents' past employment there. Additionally, he noted that long-term Sabah PR holders from Sarawak or Peninsular Malaysia, despite residing in Sabah for decades, would also be excluded under the current rules.
Advertisement Dr Chong said a MyKad with the letter 'H' printed at the bottom right corner indicates Sabahan status, regardless of the state code. To prevent confusion, he urged the Finance Minister to review the agreement with the insurance provider and amend the terms accordingly. 'A clarification and necessary adjustments will avoid unnecessary misunderstandings later,' he said. For the record, the scheme, intended to benefit all 2.7 million Sabahans, is the State's first social security initiative under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah Government. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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