Kuala lumpur: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) today launched the 'Semak Kasih' portal to make it easier for beneficiaries to check unclaimed insurance policies or takaful certificates of their family members. BNM Deputy Governor Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid stated that the portal was developed to assist beneficiaries in verifying whether they have insurance or takaful coverage and in contacting the relevant provider for further action. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Adnan emphasized the importance of addressing insurance and takaful protection issues, highlighting their role in assisting families during challenging times, such as covering costs for medical treatments, fire incidents, and accidents. During the launch of the Terengganu Financial Literacy Carnival, he noted that many families remain unaware that their deceased loved ones have left behind takaful or insurance benefits meant for their welfare. The event also saw the attendance of Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) CEO Mark O'Dell and Mal aysian Takaful Association (MTA) CEO Mohd Radzuan Mohamed. Adnan stressed the need for Malaysians to enhance financial protection through insurance or takaful and to boost financial literacy to navigate economic challenges and rising living costs. He revealed that estimates from MTA and LIAM indicate about 50,000 insurance policies and takaful certificates involving death benefits remain unclaimed by beneficiaries. Adnan mentioned efforts by insurance and takaful companies to contact beneficiaries through letters and agents. The newly launched portal aims to streamline the benefit claim process, allowing beneficiaries to easily verify coverage and contact providers, ensuring benefits reach the rightful family members. In addition, he highlighted continued support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through various financing schemes, including microfinancing up to RM100,000 without requiring a guarantor or collateral. BNM has earmarked RM5 billion under the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility to a id companies impacted by the West Asia conflict, providing working capital financing of up to RM750,000. Adnan also spoke of the iTekad initiative, which has benefited over 14,000 participants nationwide, including around 600 in Terengganu, by enhancing their incomes and living standards. The Financial Education Forum (FEN) initiative is dedicated to making financial benefits accessible to all societal levels, including the OKU community, through a more inclusive and user-friendly financial education website. He cautioned the public to use digital financial facilities wisely, warning that while digitalisation offers economic opportunities, it also raises the risk of fraud and overspending. Research shows that 37 per cent of Malaysians make impulsive online purchases, and 26 per cent have unsustainable debt levels. Adnan underscored the necessity of financial education from a young age to empower future generations to make informed financial choices. Initiatives like the MyDuitStory competition and the laun ch of the FEN Proaktif 2.0 Programme, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, aim to equip students with strong financial management skills as they transition into the workforce. He advocated for the benefits of consistent saving from a young age, which can lead to substantial long-term returns and a more secure financial future. Adnan concluded by affirming that while global economic situations and technological changes are beyond control, individuals can manage their daily financial decisions effectively. He urged the public to save and spend wisely, protect themselves, and continually seek to expand their financial knowledge.