KUALA LUMPUR – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will hold two public hearings as part of its inquiry into reforms for the private healthcare and insurance sectors, amid concerns over soaring costs.
The first session is scheduled for February 14 at the AC Marriott Hotel in Bukit Jambul, Penang, while the second will take place at the Parliament building on February 21. Both sessions will run from 9am to 12pm.
The PAC has invited individuals with grievances against insurance companies and private hospitals, policyholders, consumer association representatives, insurance agents, company representatives, and private hospital management to participate.
It has also encouraged attendance from specialist doctors, representatives of private hospital workers, pharmaceutical companies, non-governmental organisations, academics, and healthcare experts.
“Through these public hearing sessions, views from all parties will be considered openly and included in the PAC’s report before it is presented in Parliament,” the committee said.
Following the public sessions, the PAC will conduct private proceedings, summoning key stakeholders—including representatives from relevant ministries and government agencies—to provide testimony.
Those interested in attending can register at https://parlimenmalaysia.info/kehadiranpesertapublichearing
In January, PAC member and Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said the committee was committed to engaging a broad audience, including the public, in discussions on regulatory measures for the private healthcare sector.
Yesterday, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan revealed that the insurance and takaful industry recorded an average annual profit of RM4.4 billion between 2018 and 2023 from life insurers and family takaful operators. – February 7, 2025