PETALING JAYA: The public can give their views on how the surge in healthcare costs and insurance premiums has impacted them at an upcoming Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing, says its committee member Sim Tze Tzin.
The hearing is a platform for Parliament to gather feedback that will be used to craft proposals on how the government and society can tackle Malaysia’s medical inflation rate, which is among the highest in the region, he said.
The hearing, he said, follows complaints of price surges in private hospitals and insurance premiums, and their impact on public healthcare infrastructure.
The hearing is open to stakeholders, consumer groups and the public.
“This is considered the first open public hearing and it will be part of the Parliament Hansard, which means it carries weight.
“We encourage people with ideas on improving the system to come forward,” said Sim.
This issue has a huge impact on people from all walks of life. It is good for them to come and give us their feedback so that we will have a balance of views,” he said when contacted.
The first session will be held at AC Marriott Hotel, Bukit Jambul, Penang, from 9am to noon on Friday.
The second session is scheduled to take place at the Banquet Hall in the Parliament building’s main block from 9am to noon on Feb 21.
Sim, who is the PKR MP for Bayan Baru, said the hearings have received a positive response.
“So, it is a good sign that this issue has attracted wide interest.”
At the same time, he also said insurance agent associations and doctor groups have expressed interest in attending the hearing.
The PAC, he said, has invited Bank Negara and Health Ministry officers to attend the hearing.
“We invited them to be present so they can hear first-hand what the rakyat has to say,” he added.
The public, including complainants against insurance companies and private hospitals, insurance policyholders, consumer association representatives, insurance company representatives, private hospital management and staff, specialist doctors, NGOs and citizens are invited to attend the public hearing.
All views will be heard and included in a report that will be tabled later in Parliament.
The PAC has said that after the public hearing, it will conduct closed-door proceedings with relevant ministries, government departments and agencies on the issue.
Those who wish to attend the hearings should register at http://parlimenmalaysia.info/kehadiranpeserta-publichearing
