Sun Life Malaysia unveils RM1 million relief fund

Insurance company Sun Life Malaysia has unveiled a RM1 million COVID-19 relief fund to provide direct support to its clients during this period, especially those who are working at the front lines of the pandemic. The relief fund offers extra benefits and is aimed to help those who are diagnosed with COVID-19 and their family members. The relief fund benefits will include a payout of RM5,000 for clients who are diagnosed with COVID-19, and RM7,500 should the insured person or immediate family member dies due to the virus. The fund will also provide a payout of RM15,000 upon death of clients who contributed in the selected essential service industries during the Movement Control Order.

Sun Life Malaysia has also launched a campaign on its social media platforms to create awareness and educate Malaysians on how to safeguard themselves and their loved ones better. The campaign consists of videos and infographics that provided tips to prevent illnesses through good hygiene habits, boosting the immune system, as well as busting myths regarding COVID-19. Sun Life Malaysia also tapped on its brand ambassador, actor Hairul Azreen, to disseminate public service announcements.

In a statement to A+M, a spokesperson from Sun Life Malaysia said it is taking the time to connect closer to all Malaysians while helping them with its initiatives. The spokesperson added that the company will continue to proactively look at adding on more assistance for all its clients.

Raymond Lew, CEO and president/country head of Sun Life Malaysia said with the recent escalation of the COVID-19 situation, it hopes to alleviate clients' financial stress with the COVID-19 relief fund. He added that the company wants to extend its appreciation and support to clients who are at the front lines of the pandemic. “We have [also] put in place a robust claims process to ensure [our clients] are protected effectively and efficiently during this time of need," Lew said, adding that the company will continue to evaluate and add to our measures accordingly as the situation progresses.

Additionally, Sun Life Malaysia is also participating in an industry special COVID-19 Test Fund (CTF) which seeks to encourage and lower the cost barrier for COVID-19 testing at private hospitals and medical facilities. The CTF is a RM8 million fund set up by The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM), Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) and the Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA). The CTF will be providing up to RM300 for Malaysians who have been referred by registered doctors to undergo testing for COVID-19. According to LIAM, this reimbursement is for all group or medical and health insurance policy holders or takaful certificate holders. It is added that the fund is able to support more than 26,600 tests.

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