KUALA LUMPUR: Reforms under the Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) framework aim to reset Malaysia's healthcare insurance system by shifting away from fee-for-service payments towards a value-based model, in a move to curb rising premiums and improve patient access to care. He said a more integrated insurance structure would allow patients to move through the healthcare system faster, ensuring life-saving investigations and procedures are carried out without unnecessary waiting periods. He stated that the basic takaful and insurance plan is capable of assisting middle- and low-income groups affected by high medical inflation. Dr Syed noted that out-of-pocket healthcare spending in Malaysia remains high, even among those who have insurance coverage, due to rising monthly premiums. Regarding the proposed premium rates, Dr Syed said they are at a low level and could increase the public's access to private healthcare.

Source: The Star January 23, 2026 22:42 UTC