Ahmad Shabery (right) shows Mohd Isa (left) a sample of sleeping bags to be distributed to flood victims. — Bernama photo
KEMAMAN: Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek has suggested that the government consider the need of having flood insurance policy for the people to protect their welfare in times of natural disasters.
He said the government could discuss with insurance companies to create insurance policies which would benefit all parties, especially victims of disasters.
The minister said the move should be seen at ensuring the effectiveness of national preparedness in facing floods, especially during the monsoon season.
“We welcome insurance companies to offer protection policies for flood victims.
“We could also propose a legislative amendment which bounds companies to cooperate to enable flood victims obtain such benefits,” he told reporters at a gotong-royong at Felda Seberang Tayor, here, yesterday.
Also present was Felda chairman Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad who was on a working visit to flood-affected Felda areas in Terengganu.
Ahmad Shabery said to meet the objective, the insurance scheme could be contributed through the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) next year for the 1Malaysia People’s Group Takaful Insurance (i-BR1M) implemented this year.
“Deductions of RM50 to RM100 could be deposited for the insurance and in my view would not burden everybody,” he said.
Ahmad Shabery said he would look into the best ways for the people, government and insurance companies to work together in the event of a natural disaster so that the burden would not be fully shouldered by the government and the victims.
The government in its 2014 Budget had introduced i-BR1M with claims of up to RM30,000 for accidental death and permanent disability and RM1,000 for natural death.
I-BR1M is a Takaful insurance plan which provides protection benefits to BR1M recipient households. — Bernama