RM2 billion mySalam fund dwindling; MP calls for urgent review of scheme
Kuala Lumpur: Concerns have been raised over the sustainability of the mySalam health protection scheme by Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol, who warned that dwindling funds and a lack of long-term planning could leave recipients from B40 households exposed to health risks.
His remarks came after Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying replied to his question during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
In response to a supplementary question, Lim stated that a total of 1.8 million people have benefited from the mySalam health protection schemes since their launch in 2019, up to September of this year.
The mySalam program, launched with an initial RM2 billion contribution from Great Eastern Holdings, provides hospitalisation coverage, payouts for 50 critical illnesses, and claims for medical devices to low-income families.
While the initiative has been praised for easing the financial burden of medical treatment, Mordi highlighted several critical gaps that demand immediate attention.
Shrinking fund
“The RM2 billion seed fund is being rapidly depleted, and there is no clear plan from the government on replenishment.
“Without a concrete plan, B40 recipients risk losing access to essential health coverage once the current funds run out,” Mordi said.
He said that mySalam was initially slated for 2019–2023 but has been extended to 2026 through the latest federal budget.
“While the extension is welcome, it exposes the lack of a sustainable long-term framework. B40 families need certainty that their health protection is continuous, not temporary,” Mordi added.
Integration with other programs
Mordi said that Malaysia has also rolled out complementary initiatives, including PeKa B40 and Skim Perubatan MADANI.
However, he pointed out that it remains unclear how mySalam will integrate with these programs to prevent duplication of benefits, streamline claims processing, and enhance access.
Private sector involvement
Efforts to share mySalam data with licensed insurance and takaful operators could broaden B40 coverage, Mordi noted.
Yet, he emphasised that a robust strategic plan, incorporating incentives, monitoring, and risk management, is crucial to ensure effectiveness.
Calls to action
Mordi urged the Finance Ministry to:
- Replenish or renew the mySalam fund.
- Ensure effective integration with PeKa B40 and Skim Perubatan MADANI.
- Establish a clear long-term strategy to safeguard continuous B40 health coverage.
“Without proactive measures, the program risks failing the very people it was designed to protect,” he warned, stressing the need for immediate government action.
