KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Insurance Scheme has paid out RM21,000 in claims since the programme was initiated in May this year.

The state Finance Ministry stated that as of then, three claims have been received and processed, with payouts amounting to RM21,000 disbursed.

The ministry said this in a written response to Datuk Darell Leiking’s (Warisan – Moyog) question over this matter at the state legislative assembly sitting here on Tuesday (July 8).

Later, he issued a statement asking why only RM21,000 was disbursed to three individuals in May when the scheme was intended to cover Sabah’s 2.7 million eligible population.

“The total cost of insurance is RM50mil over three years, that means the government has to pay RM1.38mil a month,” he said.

Leiking called for more transparency in this scheme while emphasising the need to raise awareness and accessibility.

“This insurance protection scheme is a good effort by the government, but did the government reach out to village chiefs, local and community leaders in each district to bring awareness to people about this programme?

“Did our people know about this scheme and the process to claim since the insurance protection is said to have commenced automatically on May 1?” he asked.

Leiking asked for a review of the premium structure, given the substantial gap between the monthly premium paid (RM1.38mil) and the total payout (RM21,000).

He urged the government and the appointed insurance provider to review the scheme’s cost-effectiveness and stressed the importance of ensuring that public funds were spent efficiently.

He said the scheme must deliver real and measurable benefits to a wider segment of the population.