KOTA KINABALU, April 16 -- The state government sponsored group insurance for 2.7 million Sabahans starting next month will cost RM7 per person for a total of three years, said Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

Describing it as a sincere effort to provide a safety net for Sabahans, Masidi denied that it was a pre- election "scheme", and noted that accidental deaths could occur, with or without the election.

The total premium would cost the government RM50 million for a period of three years, starting from next month to 30 April 2028 and will be implemented directly by Progressive Insurance Bhd without involving any third parties or external agents.

"This approach is taken to ensure transparency, effective implementation,...