OVERLAPPING federal and state government programmes will be reviewed to ensure their impact on the community, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

Health programmes, such as “Peduli Sihat” may be cancelled and implemented at the federal level instead, he said.

“Meaning, there is no duplication in legal provision. The federal government will create ‘Peduli Sihat’, so why should we do the same programme?” he said in an interview with The Malaysian Insight recently.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on July 5 formed a special task force to begin the foundational work for the implementation of a national healthcare scheme.

The scheme will benefit the B40 income group, in line with its promise in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto in the 14th general election (GE14).

“Peduli Sihat” will cover 2.6 million households in the country, or about 10.4 million people.

It offers a RM500 funding for basic treatment at registered private clinics for the lowest 40% income households (B40).

Amirudin said the government is also reviewing ADAM50, a savings scheme introduced by the previous Barisan Nasional government in collaboration with Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) for newborns.

The programme currently shares similar goals and mechanisms with the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (Tawas).

Under ADAM50, babies born between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022, receive an initial savings fund of RM200 through the Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) ASB unit (for Bumiputeras) and AS1M unit (non-Bumiputeras). The money can only be withdrawn after the child reaches the age of 18.

Tawas was introduced by the state government in 2008 to provide RM1,500 to registered Selangor children. The first 18-year-old recipients will receive their funds in 2026. – August 8, 2018.