Skim Peduli Kesihatan for the B40 group, also known as PeKa B40, is a government initiative under the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The programme aims to support the healthcare needs of low-income Malaysians, particularly in detecting and managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

PeKa B40 focuses on providing early health screening, medical aid and treatment support for eligible individuals.

Eligibility for PeKa B40

PeKa B40 is automatically available to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Malaysian citizens from the B40 (bottom 40 percent income group)
• Recipients of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and their registered spouses
• Aged 40 years and above

Eligible individuals do not need to register separately. Eligibility is automatically determined based on STR records.

Benefits under PeKa B40

Benefit 1: Free Health Screening

This is the first and most important step to access other PeKa B40 benefits.

• Health screening must be completed before recipients can receive other benefits such as Health Aid, Cancer Treatment Incentive and Transport Incentive
• Screening can be done at Ministry of Health clinics or private clinics registered with PeKa B40
• No payment is required for the screening tests

Health screening includes:

•  Review of personal and family medical history
• Identification of risk factors for diseases
• Mental health screening
• Physical examination
• Breast examination for female recipients
• Prostate examination for male recipients who are at risk
• Blood and urine laboratory tests

Laboratory tests include:

• Blood cell count test
• Blood sugar test
• Cholesterol test
• Kidney function test
• Urine test

Recipients do not need to fast before taking these tests.

If treatment is required:

• Patients may be referred to a government clinic (Klinik Kesihatan) for further care
• If they choose private treatment, the costs must be borne by the patient as PeKa B40 does not cover treatment or medication costs

Benefit 2: Health Aid

This benefit helps cover the cost of certain medical equipment needed for treatment that is not fully subsidised at Ministry of Health hospitals.

• Maximum assistance of up to RM20,000
• Aid is provided in the form of medical equipment

Examples of equipment covered:

• Heart stents
• Artificial joint implants
• Hearing aids
• Heart pacemakers
• Spine implants
• Limb prostheses and orthotic devices
• Intraocular lenses for eye surgery
• Breathing therapy equipment and oxygen concentrators
• Nutritional support equipment
• Wheelchairs

Important conditions:

• Health screening must be completed first
• Treatment must take place at Ministry of Health hospitals
• Applications must be submitted by MOH medical specialists on behalf of the patient
• Approval depends on the price category of the equipment required

Benefit 3: Completing Cancer Treatment Incentive

This benefit encourages cancer patients to complete their treatment plan at MOH hospitals.

• Total incentive of RM1,000 for patients who complete cancer treatment

Payment structure:

• RM300 is paid when the patient begins cancer treatment
• RM700 is paid after treatment is completed

Additional information:

• Health screening must be completed before receiving this benefit
• Applications must be submitted by a doctor or MOH specialist
• Payment is credited directly into the recipient’s registered bank account

Benefit 4: Transport Incentive

This incentive helps reduce the burden of travel costs when patients need to visit MOH hospitals for treatment.

Eligibility:

Only recipients who qualify for Health Aid (Benefit 2) or Cancer Treatment Incentive (Benefit 3)

Maximum assistance:

• RM500 for patients in Peninsular Malaysia
• RM1,000 for patients in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan

Additional information:

• The amount provided depends on the distance between the hospital and the patient’s home
• Applications must be made by a Medical Social Worker or the medical officer treating the patient
• Payments are credited directly into the recipient’s bank account

Steps to Access PeKa B40 Benefits

Step 1
Check your eligibility for PeKa B40.

Step 2
Visit the nearest clinic that participates in PeKa B40. These clinics will display the PeKa B40 logo. Bring your MyKad for verification.

Step 3
During your first visit, the doctor will conduct the health screening.

Step 4
Return for a second visit to receive your laboratory test results. The doctor will then advise the next steps, which may include:

• Referral to a Ministry of Health healthcare facility
• Participation in the MOH Healthy and Active Programme (Program Sihat Cergas)

PeKa B40 aims to ensure that Malaysians from low-income households receive early medical screening and access to necessary healthcare support.

Source / Image Credit : protecthealth , Lima , Malaysiakini