Sell insurance online, LIAM urges

The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) is urging insurance companies to sell their products via online platforms to drive the penetration rate to 75 percent in 2020 from the current 56 percent.

LIAM president Toi See Jong expressed hope that the companies could establish their own platform by January 1, 2017.

“We only have four years left and the gap between the rates is still big. Broadening the life insurance policy channels would allow various insurance segments to come in and increase the penetration rate as required,” he said.

Jong stressed that online platforms, being straightforward and secure, allow consumers of all ages to make comparisons and choose a competitive insurance policy.

Malaysia has only a small number of online providers of life insurance products, he noted, adding LIAM would continue to work closely with Bank Negara to achieve the target penetration rate.