PETALING JAYA: MediAsas, the government’s Base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful Plan, is on track for nationwide implementation by the end of January 2027, Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said.
He said the pilot programme, which began in late July, was being conducted on a controlled basis in the Klang Valley to assess the operational readiness of insurance and takaful operators and private hospitals, as well as consumer acceptance and understanding of the plan.
The programme involves various groups of users, including government agencies, government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies, small and medium enterprises and gig workers.
Initial feedback has been encouraging, while stakeholder engagement sessions are continuing to better understand consumers’ needs and concerns.
Liew was responding to Kuala Nerus MP Datuk Dr Alias Razak in the Dewan Rakyat, who asked about the indicators and success criteria for the MediAsas pilot that would determine its readiness for nationwide implementation, particularly in containing treatment costs and ensuring affordable coverage.
MediAsas is part of the government’s RESET strategy to improve access to affordable and sustainable medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) protection over the long term, while providing a platform for other initiatives to address rising private healthcare costs.
In line with the Budget 2027 announcement, premium subsidies will also be provided to eligible SME workers to encourage wider insurance coverage among employees with limited or no existing MHIT protection.
Liew said findings from the pilot programme and feedback from stakeholders would continue to inform refinements to the plan’s implementation design ahead of its nationwide rollout.
