KUANTAN: Beginning next month, the Pahang state government will allocate RM79.4 million annually to provide group insurance coverage for active tour guides, boat operators, and mountain guides in the state.
State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman, Leong Yu Man, said a total of 794 individuals are eligible for the insurance protection scheme, which is worth RM100,000 per year for three years until October 2026.
She said that members of the Pahang Tourist Guides' Association, the National Park Tourist Guides' Association, the Pahang Mountain Guides' Association, Persatuan Gabungan Perkhidmatan Bot Taman Negara, and boat operators in Pulau Tioman were among those who would receive the benefit.
"It is hoped that, the scheme, which costs RM120 a year, will provide protection to tourism industry players, who are exposed to the risk of accidents while on duty.
"We also hope that it will help reduce the burden of ecotourism industry players and motivate them to provide better services," she said in a statement here today (October 27).
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail launched the insurance protection card yesterday (October 26) in Genting Highlands, prior to a state executive council meeting.
According to Leong, under the scheme, recipients are insured up to RM100,000 in the event of accidental death or permanent disability, RM2,500 in medical expenses caused by accidents and a daily cash allowance of RM50 for hospitalisation up to 30 days. – Bernama