KUALA LUMPUR, 26 November- The Ministry of Finance and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) are looking at the possibility of extending the implementation of the mySalam scheme for two more years while devising a long-term insurance scheme that is more suitable for the B40 group.

Finance Minister II, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the initiative is important because mySalam continues to benefit nine million recipients, including those who receive the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR).

"For now, mySalam will be in effect until the end of next year. If this scheme can be extended for another two years, it means that its duration will be extended to four years from the original. The government is always concerned about these issues," he said when replying to a supplementary question from Sabak Bernam Member of Parliament, Kalam Salam, in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Amir also stressed that the government is focused on the welfare of all mySalam staff, who are currently appointed on a contract basis and paid an allowance by Great Eastern Takaful Berhad (GETB), the scheme's service provider.

"Several efforts have been implemented, including improving staff allowance rates and encouraging them to participate in skills training programs. It is hoped that the experience from this scheme will increase their chances of obtaining permanent employment," he said.

The government also supports the implementation of skills-based programs as an effort to empower mySalam staff to be better prepared in the job market.