06/12/2025

SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

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Measles-rubella vaccine safe, says Health Ministry o ‘Immunisation implemented in Malaysia since 1982, with second dose introduced in 2004 for optimum protection’

Savings from targeted subsidies to be used for public KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of targeted subsidies does not increase national debt, but is an important strategy to reduce long-term liabilities, stabilise fiscal position and strengthen investor confidence in Malaysia’s economic prospects. The Finance Ministry said savings from targeted subsidies would be used for the wellbeing of the public and funding the development of educational, health and public transport facilities in the country. RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation is one of the government’s initiatives to help ease the burden on the public as well as increase the efficiency of spending and distribution of the country’s financial resources, the ministry said in a reply to the Dewan Rakyat posted on the Parliament website. The ministry also said the government is expected to generate savings of RM2.5 billion to RM4 billion per year based on domestic consumption data and the assumption that about 20% the total RON95 consumption currently involves consumers who are not eligible for subsidies. “The range of savings takes into account various scenarios of global crude oil prices between US$60 (RM246) and US$80 (RM328) per barrel, as well as the implementation of subsidy removal on non-targeted segments such as foreigners and commercial consumers.” It added that the targeted subsidy approach has the advantage of not causing a sharp increase in inflation compared with raising the price of RON95 to the market price for all, with inflation expected to remain below 2% for 2025 and 2026. “It also helps accommodate different levels of RON95 usage among citizens with different daily travel distances.” The ministry said the government is committed to adopting a prudent and responsible fiscal approach, with targeted subsidies seen as able to strengthen the fiscal position of the country without increasing debt and ensuring that benefits are channelled more effectively. It was responding to a question from Pandan MP Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli, who wanted to know the estimated cost savings and annual implementation expenses for 2025, 2026 and 2027 for the RON95 subsidy programme. Rafizi also asked how the savings would be utilised and which allocations would be increased using the savings as well as the percentage of improvement in the country’s fiscal deficit. – Bernama ‘Basic insurance to be standalone product’ KUALA LUMPUR: The basic medical and health insurance (MHIT) to be introduced in early 2027 will be a standalone product and not linked to investments, according to the Finance Ministry. In a written reply on the Parliament website, the ministry said the status of medical plans sold as riders (additional benefits) in investment-linked policies is also being reviewed by Bank Negara Malaysia. The ministry said in Malaysia, MHIT coverage could be offered as a rider in investment-linked policies, which is designed with a level premium rate throughout its policy term via upfront funding to cover future insurance costs. It also said the premium rate is not guaranteed and has to be increased if the investment-linked policy is no longer sustainable for the entire term of the contract, which may be due to factors that include weak investment returns, repricing of insurance costs for the MHIT rider and withdrawals of account value by the policyholder. – Bernama

aims to boost vaccine acceptance based on factual information and community trust, ensuring the public receives accurate guidance while protecting overall health. The ministry launched a nationwide MRSIA from August until Oct 12, offering a third dose of the vaccine to children aged six to 59 months born between Aug 1, 2020, and Jan 31, 2025. The ministry’s disease control division said the main objective is to increase immunisation coverage and provide early protection to prevent further transmission. Malaysia’s MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) immunisation coverage has exceeded 95% annually, including last year. However, only 62% of districts achieved this target in 2024. Measles cases nearly doubled, from 2,002 in 2023 to 3,791 last year, while outbreaks rose to 231 in 2024 from 112 the previous year. Children under five accounted for 44.1% of cases, while 28.9% involved non-citizens, of which 84.3% were unvaccinated. Three deaths were reported last year, involving unvaccinated non-citizen children aged eight months, three years and 17 years. Under the National Immunisation Programme, the MMR vaccine is administered at nine and 12 months, with Sabah providing an additional measles dose at six months. Parents and guardians are urged to take eligible children to receive the additional dose for free. Appointment dates would be sent via MySejahtera, or parents could schedule their own appointments through the app. Eligible children could also walk in at public health clinics.

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

(other) countries, including Malaysia, continuously monitor adverse events following immunisation to ensure the safety of vaccines.” The ministry is also boosting parental confidence through communication and advocacy strategies, including strategic communication, health education and community engagement. “Information is shared via social media, websites, TV, radio, infographics, short videos and interactive sessions with health experts. “During the MRSIA period, the ministry published over 45,000 updates, reaching hundreds of thousands nationwide, and collaborated with religious leaders, community figures and influencers to build public trust.” Meanwhile, continuous health education programmes in schools, clinics and communities reached over 1.1 million parents and children through talks, counselling, demonstrations and small group discussions. “Health personnel are also trained in risk communication to deliver vaccination messages accurately, consistently and empathetically to the community.” The ministry also works with the Education Ministry, schools and community organisations to expand health communication and monitor misinformation to address vaccine-related fake news. Through these efforts, the Health Ministry

PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry has assured the public that the vaccine used in the measles-rubella Supplementary Immunisation Activity (MRSIA) is safe and effective, addressing concerns and misinformation. It said the vaccine is being reintroduced through MRSIA to ensure children receive full protection. “Common adverse effects such as fever, rashes, itching or reactions at the injection site are usually mild and resolve quickly. “Only a small number of recipients experience serious effects, but the risk is far lower compared with severe complications resulting from measles or rubella infections,” it said in a written reply to the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. The ministry emphasised that immunisation against measles has been implemented globally since 1963, and in Malaysia since 1982, with a second dose introduced in 2004 to ensure optimum protection. It added that in terms of efficacy, a single dose provides more than 95% protection and two doses ensure long-term immunity and help achieve elimination targets. “The World Health Organisation and

Increase in digital My50 travel pass usage PETALING JAYA: In line with the push for a cashless economy, more Malaysians are tapping their way to convenience with digital My50 pass purchases via the TnG eWallet since the option was introduced in July 2024. In a written reply to Parliament yesterday, the Transport Ministry reported a rise in digital My50 travel pass transactions from month to month, with eWallet transactions rising from 26% in July and August to 33% in September.

The My50 pass is a 30-day pass costing RM50 that grants Malaysian commuters unlimited rides on Rapid KL transport services, including the LRT, MRT, BRT, Monorail and the Rapid Bus. “July recorded a total of 295,907 purchases, comprising 219,432 (74%) at point of sale (POS) counters and 76,475 (26%) via TnG eWallet. “The number increased in August to 314,114 transactions, of which 232,620 (74%) were made via POS and 81,494 (26%) through eWallet. “Up to Sept 17, a total of 174,041 transactions were recorded, with 117,598 (67%) conducted at counters and 56,443 (33%) digitally.” The ministry highlighted that the upward trend reflects growing user acceptance of the TnG eWallet app, in line with the cashless economy agenda and the convenience offered by digital technology. It also said the implementation of digital My50 pass purchases also had a positive impact on reducing waiting time at counters. “On average, every 5% to 7% increase in eWallet users has helped reduce the number of customers who come to the counter. “Prior to the implementation of the digital ticketing platform initiative, the average waiting time at counters during peak hours was approximately eight minutes per user.”

The ministry said the trend reflects growing user acceptance of the TnG eWallet app, in line with the cashless economy agenda. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

new, could renew and use their passes digitally through the TnG eWallet app. He said with this digitalisation, users could verify their Malaysian citizenship through the electronic Know Your Customer process and renew their My50 passes directly in the TnG eWallet using a TnG card equipped with NFC functionality, without needing to present their MyKad. For users who are not proficient with technology or have limited access, the option to renew the pass at service counters using their MyKad would remain available. – By Qiranna Nabilla Mohd Rashidi

The ministry also emphasised that with the shift to digital transactions, an estimated 76,000 users avoided visiting counters in July, rising to 81,000 in August and 56,000 by mid-September. “Overall, the implementation of the digital My50 pass has successfully reduced congestion at service counters, improved service efficiency and provided a faster, easier and more user-friendly alternative for daily public transport users.” Previously, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that starting July 1, all My50 unlimited travel pass users, both existing and