KUANTAN: Beginning next month, the Pahang government will allocate RM79.4mil per year to provide group insurance coverage to 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 were eligible for the insurance protection scheme, which is worth RM100,000 per year for three years until October 2026.
Among those who will be covered are members of the Pahang Tourist Guides’ Association, National Park Tourist Guides’ Association, Pahang Mountain Guides’ Association, Persatuan Gabungan Perkhidmatan Bot Taman Negara and boat operators in Pulau Tioman.
“It is hoped that the scheme, which costs RM120 a year, will provide protection to players in the tourism industry who are exposed to the risk of accidents while on duty,” she said, as reported by Bernama.
“We also hope that it will help reduce the burden on ecotourism industry players and motivate them to provide better services,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail launched the insurance protection card on Oct 26 in Genting Highlands, prior to a state executive council meeting.
Under the scheme, recipients are insured up to RM100,000 in the event of accidental death or permanent disability, RM2,500 for medical expenses caused by accidents, and a daily cash allowance of RM50 for hospitalisation for up to 30 days.
