COMMENT | The Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) policy introduced by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) under the Financial Services Act 2013 and Islamic Financial Services Act 2013, which mandates that all new MHIT products include co-payment provisions, will be implemented on Sept 1, 2024.

While aimed at promoting responsible healthcare use and reducing premiums, these provisions raise significant concerns about health equity, access to healthcare, and the broader implications for Malaysia’s health insurance system.

Impact on health equity and access

The MHIT policy grants insurers the flexibility to...