Independent board formed to guide MediAsas rollout
The basic medical insurance and takaful plan is being piloted, with a nationwide launch planned for the end of January 2027.
An independent board led by Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Norma Mansor will oversee MediAsas, the government announced on Nov 4. Its responsibilities cover the plan’s direction, supervision and progress monitoring.
MediAsas is a basic plan covering medical and health insurance and takaful, currently being piloted under Malaysia’s private healthcare reforms. The government plans to introduce it nationwide at the end of January 2027, with monthly premiums beginning at around RM60.
Budget 2027 support includes income tax relief for premiums. The government has also allocated RM40 million to encourage coverage for people employed by small- to medium-sized businesses.
The other board members are Professor Dr Elil Renganathan, a public health expert; Professor Dr Woo Yin Ling, a medical specialist; and corporate executives Serena Thio Hui Ming, Ivan Loh Ee Hoe and Datuk Hamidah Naziadin. Ex-officio representation will come from Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance.
ProtectHealth Corporation, which was established under the Ministry of Health, will run the MediAsas Office. Advising the board will be Dr Winnie Yip, whose expertise covers global health policy and economics, and Datuk Jessica Chew, previously a Bank Negara Malaysia deputy governor. They will serve as global expert adviser and technical adviser, respectively.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the board would help maintain the plan’s focus on better patient outcomes. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said members’ expertise would support the transition from the pilot programme to national implementation.
