The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has warned of a possible spike in inflation due to the increase in health insurance premiums, which have reached up to 78%.
This increase is not just about medical costs, but also raises a bigger question: what is the real impact on the country’s economy and the well-being of the people?
MEF President, Datuk Dr. Syed Hussain Syed Husman, stressed that the companies involved are forced to pass on the higher costs to consumers, thus causing an increase in the price of goods and services.
More worryingly, employers may be forced to reduce their employees’ health benefits, including reducing health insurance coverage or eliminating certain benefits.
Syed Hussain urged Bank Negara Malaysia and the government to intervene immediately to avoid a worse impact on the economy.
With only 14.3% of Malaysians having private health insurance, this premium increase has the potential to force many to re-evaluate their policies or even abandon them.
In the face of these difficulties, are we moving towards a fairer solution, or simply choosing to shift the burden to others?
