By Nasuha Badrul Huzaini
SHAH ALAM, Nov 8 — Selangor has become the only state in a Southeast Asian country to offer free insurance coverage to its six million citizens, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for the Gombak parliamentary seat in the ongoing 15th general election said the costs of the initiative, known as Skim Insurans Am Selangor (Insan), is fully borne by the state government.
“This is something unheard of in other (countries’) states, and no one has ever introduced such a thing.
“However, when Selangor was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and severe flooding last year, we learned most people did not have any insurance coverage, and as such assurances for their future (should anything happen).
“Therefore, through our policies which prioritise honesty, hard work, and determination, we have managed to realise this initiative for our people.
“We also have the political will to make these changes, aside from continuing to safeguard the people’s welfare, both in Selangor and Malaysia,” he said during a ceramah at the Aathe Store Kampung Laksamana convenience store in Pangsapuri Laksamana B, Batu Caves, last night.
On August 30, Amirudin introduced the state’s general insurance scheme for all Selangor residents, with an estimated total protection value of RM60 billion and expected to benefit six million people.
To qualify for protection under Insan, applying recipients must either be born in Selangor or be a voter in the state. With a value of RM10,000, the insurance will be paid out for every loss of life caused by accidents and for policyholders who suffer permanent disabilities.
He added that he will bring his vast experience in leading Selangor to the Federal level, should he be elected as Gombak’s MP.
“I am thankful for the opportunity given to me to take care of the state, and now I wish to continue my duty on the Parliamentary level, as there are many responsibilities which we have to fight for.
“We have managed to do our best in Selangor, therefore I want to share my experiences and educate the Federal government on how to govern the nation like how we did here. I will make Selangor the (administrative) model,” Amirudin said.
