KUALA LUMPUR, February 21 – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has started closed proceedings to investigate the issue of health insurance premium increases affecting the people.

PAC Deputy Chairman, Teresa Kok said as many as 10 proceedings have been scheduled in closed session until the full report is presented in the Dewan Rakyat as early as this June.

"All evidence obtained from the public hearing session will be included in the PAC Statement before being presented in the Dewan Rakyat."

"This committee will also call all stakeholders including health insurance companies, private hospitals, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, Bank Negara Malaysia, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academics," she said at a press conference after the public hearing session at the Parliament building, here.

According to Teresa, the closed proceedings were held following increased pressure on government clinics and hospitals after many were no longer able to seek treatment in private hospitals.

In fact, there are individuals who are forced to cancel medical insurance subscriptions due to the increase in premium prices.

Today's public hearing session which took place at the Malaysian Parliament Banquet Hall attracted 550 participants.