Inflation control and health insurance key to tackling soaring medical costs, says Amir Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR: Controlling inflation and widening insurance base coverage is the approach the government is looking at to tackle soaring medical costs, says Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) system is one of the important aspects to address the issue.

“We have agreed to expand the insurance coverage in Malaysia as not everyone is protected.

“Those who are not will have to go back to government (healthcare).

“It is important for the government to sort out the base cover,” he said when winding-up debates on the Supply Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 4).

He said the government had sought feedback from insurance players, private companies and the medical fraternity on the matter and the DRG items that can be included.

He said the government would also look at whether the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) can be roped in for the initiative but this would be subject to the retirement fund’s agreement.

“It is important for the government to sort out the base cover,” he said when winding-up debates on the Supply Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 4).

He said the government had sought feedback from insurance players, private companies and the medical fraternity on the matter and the DRG items that can be included.

He said the government would also look at whether the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) can be roped in for the initiative but this would be subject to the retirement fund’s agreement.