Kota Kinabalu: All 2.7 million Sabahans are automatically eligible for the Sabah Group Personal Accident Scheme, the State’s first social security initiative under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah Government.
State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the scheme, managed by State-owned Progressive Insurance Bhd, offers worldwide coverage.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“It is available to all Sabahans aged 30 days to 80 years whose MyKad or MyKid carries Sabah State codes 12, 47, 48, or 49.
“Among the benefits under the policy are RM10,000 for accidental death and up to RM20,000 for permanent disablement, subject to the type of injury, including loss of limbs, sight, or speech.
This initiative ensures that all eligible Sabahans, including newborns, are protected under a safety net in the event of unfortunate incidents,” he said during the launch at SICC, Friday.
The scheme came into effect on May 1 and will run for three years until April 30, 2028, with the State allocating RM50 million for the initiative. Masidi said this is equivalent to a RM7 premium per individual.
The scheme covers a wide range of accidental incidents, including traffic accidents, falls and work-related injuries excluding those in high-risk occupations.
Excluded occupations include armed forces personnel, professional athletes and oil and gas workers, unless the incident occurs while off-duty.
Masidi emphasised that the introduction of Sabah’s first social security scheme is not political candy, noting that accidents can happen at any time.
“If we associate every government scheme with elections, we won’t move forward we’d have to wait for elections to take action.
“This is not only wrong, but illogical. Accidents happen during election periods, too. Why should we only insure those who die outside of that time?
“We should view this scheme from a broader perspective, one that prioritises caring for those who truly need it,” he said, referring to the B40 group.
He also dismissed allegations that middlemen are profiting from the premiums, saying only the State and its people stand to benefit.
Masidi said compensation is expected to be processed within 14 to 30 working days.
Progressive Insurance has set up a dedicated hotline (088-335 789) and branches across Sabah to assist with claims and inquiries.
Meanwhile, he urged community leaders present at the event to help spread awareness of the free government insurance, especially to those living in rural areas.
