B40 social protection scheme to be reviewed

THE RM75 Perlindungan Tenang Vouchers (PTV) initiative has been discontinued due to low claim rates compared to the allocation provided under the scheme, says Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He said, Bank Negara was reviewing the PTV implemented in 2021 and 2022 during the Covid-19 pandemic to provide insurance and takaful protection for certain groups, especially the B40.

Based on the observation, only about 490 people out of 4.9 million eligible recipients from the lower income group had benefited from the RM354mil allocation provided for this scheme, he said.

“This means that very few people were protected under PTV,” he said in reply to a supplementary question from Pang Hok Liong (PH-Labis) during Question Time.

Pang had asked the ministry to state its long term plans to ensure that the poverty rate among the B40 group could be further reduced.

The PTV, which was announced in Budget 2022, is a national initiative by the government in collaboration with the insurance and takaful industry to extend social protection to the lower-income group.

Under the programme, 16 insurance companies and takaful operators offer a range of 22 plans, providing coverage against risks such as death, accident, fire, and damage of properties.

However, Ahmad Maslan said the government would continue with other initiatives including the MySalam and Peka health insurance schemes.

“MySalam has been in place since 2019, covering individuals aged between 21 and 65.

“We will also continue with Peka, a healthcare protection scheme for the B40 group, which has been in place since 2018.

“It includes health screening, medical equipment, incentives for cancer treatment, and transportation incentives,” he said.

On a separate matter, Ahmad Maslan also mentioned that 3.9 million households would be receiving benefits from the third phase of Rahmah cash aid which will be distributed before Hari Raya Haji this month, totalling RM1.4bil.