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Kuala Lumpur, 14 October 2019 – Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) kicked off its General Insurance Day 2019 with a Flood Safety and Survival Program on Saturday, 12 October 2019. The General Insurance Day is an annual event organized by PIAM to create public awareness on the importance of general insurance cover and protection for all consumers in Malaysia. It is also an opportunity for PIAM and its member companies, as an industry, to contribute back to the community.
Co-organized with the Malaysian International Search and Rescue (MISAR), GID 2019 was aimed at creating awareness on flood safety and education of survival during the rainy season. This program garnered an overwhelming response with close to 300 children aged between seven and 12 pre-registered for the event as early as two weeks in advance. Residents Association in areas prone to flood were invited to participate as well, to better understand the risks involved and the various evacuation processes available during such crisis. This is timely given the arrival of monsoon season in this region.
“Floods are regular natural disasters in Malaysia which happen almost every year during the monsoon seasons. In the recent years, flash floods have become more rampant in bigger towns and cities, mainly caused by human activities and urban development as well as uncontrolled littering resulting in clogged drains and waterways. This situation not only inconvenienced the communities which are directly affected, but also caused loss of lives and negative impacts on the socio-economic situation of the nation.” said PIAM Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mark Lim during the launch of the program.
He further remarked, “The 2014 floods in Kelantan and Terengganu have been described as the one of the worst floods in decades. More than 200,000 people were affected while at least 21 lives were reportedly lost. A total of 8,538 claims were lodged with insurance companies amounting to RM308.3 million. The Penang and Kedah floods in 2017 saw similar effects with insurance companies offering moratoriums to allow delayed premium payments to flood victims.”
“According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the change of monsoon is now upon us. During this period, Malaysians can expect wet weather of heavy rain, winds and thunderstorms. PIAM advises the members of the public to review their insurance policies with their insurance companies or insurance agents to check if the cover provided is sufficient to mitigate any serious financial impact due to flood losses and damages. As flood and disaster insurance are considered additional/extended covers, they can be purchased with additional premiums.” Mr Mark advised.
For the convenience of consumers, PIAM member companies set up booths at MISAR Academy during GID 2019 to educate the general public on the products available and to help consumers shop around for the insurance coverage that best meet their needs.
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