Mta Committed To Extending Awareness On Importance Of Takaful To Rural Areas

ALOR SETAR, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) remains committed to enhancing public awareness about the significance of takaful protection, with a particular emphasis on extending these efforts to rural areas.

According to MTA chief executive officer Mohd Radzuan Mohamed, previous initiatives such as carnivals, programmes, and roadshows were predominantly centred in national and state capitals, often leaving rural areas marginalised.

"The decisions to hold these events are often based on development and that's why rural areas are usually marginalised. About 40 per cent still do not have any protection and they are likely in rural areas.

"However, those who live in rural areas are not necessarily in the B40 category.  They may have lower incomes but their lives are comfortable, and they do not need much assistance," he told Bernama here today.

He was at the Takaful Masuk Kampung (TMK) carnival at the Alor Mengkudu state constituency service centre, which was also attended by Kedah state Consumerism and Cost of Living, Youth and Sports Committee chairman, Muhammad Radhi Mat Din.

Mohd Radzuan noted a shift in the approach to disseminating information about takaful, whereby the public used to rely on appointed agents, but now the industry actively takes the initiative to bring information directly to the field. 

"This is the fifth TMK. MTA's target is to hold this carnival four times a year, with the locations depending on the demand. We may separate the city and rural carnivals," said Muhammad Radhi, who is also the Alor Mengkudu state assemblyman. 

"I see that people's understanding of takaful is still low. This is an opportunity to better understand the importance of having takaful.. sometimes we are concerned about finances but there is a lack of information, so MTA can help to close the gap. 

"We expect nearly 2,000 visitors to come to this carnival which has about 20 exhibitors," he said.

-- BERNAMA