KUANTAN: An allocation of RM79.4mil annually will be set aside to provide group insurance coverage to active tour guides, boat operators and mountain guides in Pahang, starting next month.
State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said a total of 794 people are eligible for the insurance protection scheme, which is worth RM100,000 per year for three years until October 2026.
She said 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 on Friday (Oct 27), Bernama reported.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail launched the insurance protection card on Thursday (Oct 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.
