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Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Insurance scheme pays out RM21,000 in claims
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 Text Size: Leiking called for more transparency in this scheme while emphasising the need to raise awareness and accessibility. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Insurance Scheme has paid out RM21,000 in claims since the programme was initiated in May this year. The State Finance Ministry said as of then, three claims were received and processed, with payouts amounting to RM21,000 disbursed. The Ministry said this in a written response to Datuk Darell Leiking's (Warisan-Moyog) question over this matter. Later, he issued a statement asking why only RM21,000 was disbursed to three individuals in May when the scheme was intended to cover Sabah's 2.7 million eligible population. 'The total cost of insurance is RM50 million over three years, that means the Government has to pay RM1.38 million a month,' he said. Leiking called for more transparency in this scheme while emphasising the need to raise awareness and accessibility. 'This insurance protection scheme is a good effort by the Government, but did the Government reach out to village chiefs, local and community leaders in each district to bring awareness to people about this programme? 'Did our people know about this scheme and the process to claim since the insurance protection is said to have commenced automatically on May 1?' he asked. Leiking asked for a review of the premium structure, given the substantial gap between the monthly premium paid (RM1.38 million) and the total payout (RM21,000). He urged the Government and the appointed insurance provider to review the scheme's cost-effectiveness and stressed the importance of ensuring that public funds were spent efficiently. He said the scheme must deliver real and measurable benefits to a wider segment of the population. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia


The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah Insurance Scheme has paid out RM21,000 in claims since May this year, says state govt
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Insurance Scheme has paid out RM21,000 in claims since the programme was initiated in May this year. The state Finance Ministry stated that as of then, three claims have been received and processed, with payouts amounting to RM21,000 disbursed. The ministry said this in a written response to Datuk Darell Leiking's (Warisan - Moyog) question over this matter at the state legislative assembly sitting here on Tuesday (July 8). Later, he issued a statement asking why only RM21,000 was disbursed to three individuals in May when the scheme was intended to cover Sabah's 2.7 million eligible population. 'The total cost of insurance is RM50mil over three years, that means the government has to pay RM1.38mil a month,' he said. Leiking called for more transparency in this scheme while emphasising the need to raise awareness and accessibility. 'This insurance protection scheme is a good effort by the government, but did the government reach out to village chiefs, local and community leaders in each district to bring awareness to people about this programme? 'Did our people know about this scheme and the process to claim since the insurance protection is said to have commenced automatically on May 1?' he asked. Leiking asked for a review of the premium structure, given the substantial gap between the monthly premium paid (RM1.38mil) and the total payout (RM21,000). He urged the government and the appointed insurance provider to review the scheme's cost-effectiveness and stressed the importance of ensuring that public funds were spent efficiently. He said the scheme must deliver real and measurable benefits to a wider segment of the population.


Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MyKiosk a failure in Donggongon
Pritchard PENAMPANG (July 6): The failure of the MyKiosk initiative in Donggongon, Penampang has raised serious concerns. Political secretary to Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, Pritchard Gumbaris calls it a 'poorly planned, rushed and burdensome project that is failing the very people it was meant to help.' 'What was meant to empower small traders has become a showcase of neglect. The MyKiosk area is leaking, poorly located, lacks basic infrastructure like water and cleanliness, and traders are being charged up to RM350 per month after paying a RM1,050 deposit. This is not assistance — it's punishment,' he said in a statement on Sunday. Only two of 10 kiosks in Donggongon are in use. Pritchard revealed that upon inspection of 10 kiosks at the Donggongon site, only two were in use — while the rest were empty. 'This is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong. Traders are either unable or unwilling to operate in these conditions. Why build kiosks no one can use? This is a waste of public funds. 'One trader told me his kiosk leaks when it rains. MPP's (Penampang Municipal Council) response was to cover it with tape. He has no access to piped water and has to buy water daily from a nearby dispenser just to run his business. This is what they're forced to deal with. 'Some kiosks are placed far away near the riverbank at Jalan Kodundungan, where there's almost no foot traffic. Others must compete directly with long-time vendors at the Donggongon market. These location decisions are disastrous. The traders are set up to fail, and their security is also at risk in these isolated spots. 'Despite claims by the federal ministry that rental is capped at RM300, traders here are being charged RM350 monthly, plus RM1,050 deposit — all for substandard infrastructure with no water and no drainage. Where is the fairness in this?' he asked. Pritchard reminded the public that the majority of MPP councillors were appointed by DAP and UPKO, and elected assemblypersons — including those from the government bloc — sit in monthly MPP meetings. 'Why have these issues not been raised? Are they ignoring the suffering of the traders? These are their own constituents. Their silence is unacceptable.' 'Across the country, people are questioning the high cost of kiosk construction. When traders are left with leaking kiosks and no water — we have to ask: where did the money go?' 'These kiosks are within Kepayan constituency. These traders are her voters. As a DAP representative and colleague of Federal Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Jannie Lasimbang must speak up and act. We cannot afford silent bystanders.' Pritchard also pointed out that there is not a single public dustbin at the kiosk site and the whole of Donggongon town. 'And yet we expect cleanliness? How can basic urban services be so badly neglected?' He urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, MPP and relevant state authorities to act immediately: 1. Repair leaking kiosks and ensure they meet proper standards. 2. Install piped water access and improve drainage. 3. Provide public dustbins and regular cleaning of kiosk areas and Donggongon town. 4. Relocate kiosks in low-traffic and insecure zones. 5. Fully disclose the cost and contractors of kiosk construction. 6. Review and standardise rent and deposits fairly. 7. Ensure selection of genuine, local Penampang traders in need. 8. Hold local councillors and assemblypersons accountable for their role and inaction. 'The MyKiosk initiative was supposed to empower — not exploit — our people. Instead, it has become a glaring example of poor planning, failed oversight, and neglect. If the government truly champions micro-entrepreneurs, it must stop hiding behind press releases and start solving real problems on the ground,' added Pritchard.


Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
DAP's stance on Sabah corruption claims ‘clear,' says Warisan aide
Yong KOTA KINABALU (Apr 24): DAP has made its stance on high-profile corruption allegations involving several state assemblymen, including the Speaker of the Sabah State Assembly. Yong Tain Vui, Political Assistant to Warisan deputy president Darell Leiking, said the public is well aware of DAP Sabah's stance, as reflected in multiple statements issued by DAP leaders over the past months. For instance, he said DAP Sabah chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, in a statement dated 20 January 2025, reaffirmed that DAP remains a part of the GRS-led state government. He also emphasized that while Sabah DAP operates autonomously without needing direct approval from DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke, it must take into account the coalition's collective position — particularly PKR's firm commitment to support the Sabah Government until the end of its term and to continue working with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS). Additionally, DAP Central Executive Committee member and MP for Sandakan, Vivian Wong, publicly thanked the Chief Minister for his commitment to safeguarding Sabah's natural resources despite the ongoing corruption allegations, Yong said in a statement on Thursday. He was responding to the call of Kepayan Community Development Officer (PPM) Cyril Liew to DAP Sabah to clarify its stance on the high-profile corruption scandal ahead of the upcoming 17th State Election, warning that continued silence could erode trust and cost the party at the ballot box. Yong added in response to growing political speculation, GRS chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor himself has also stated that GRS will explore the possibility of collaborating with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the next state election. 'It is important to note that questions from grassroots supporters are no longer centered on DAP Sabah's stance — this has been made abundantly clear. Instead, the public is more concerned about whether the next state government will demonstrate genuine resolve in combating corruption to build a better Sabah. 'While DAP and PH leaders in Sabah continue to hold ministerial and key positions within the current administration, none of them resign from the current government – there is unnecessary to question their stances on corruption allegation, the answer is very clear,' said Yong. He added it is also important to point out that DAP has not openly challenged or called for the resignation of any of the state assemblymen implicated in the corruption allegations — unlike the firm anti-corruption stance the party has championed in the past. This inaction further reinforces the perception that their position on this matter is, indeed, crystal clear. Lastly, in an earlier interview with Cai Jin, veteran DAP leader Teresa Kok acknowledged the challenges of openly criticizing fellow coalition partners while serving in government. She noted that there are times when DAP must adopt a 'quiet party' approach in order to preserve coalition stability.