A Malaysian woman recently went viral on Threads after revealing that she paid only RM12 for a hospital bill that originally totalled RM1,040, thanks to government subsidy.
She captioned her post with the follwing: “Only RM12 from RM1,028. Proud to be Malaysian.”
In the bill she shared, the actual total cost for her treatment was listed as RM1,040. Out of that amount, RM1,028 was covered throuhg government subsidy, leaving her with a final payment of RM12.
The charges included general treatment fees and Class 3 ward charges before the government subsidy significantly reduced the balance.
Her post quickly gained attention as Malaysians were reminded how heavily public healthcare is subsidised.
To show the stark difference, the OP later posted a document from a private hospital in the comments section.
The estimate showed:
- Estimated surgery cost: RM35,000
- Deposit collected: RM500
- Estimated stay: four days and three nights
- Accommodation options such as four bedded, double bedded and single rooms
- Additional notes requiring the patient to top up any extra charges upon discharge
The OP jokingly captioned it with “Enter private hospital also can get heart attack”, highlighting how fast private hospital costs can escalate.
Netizens impressed
The comparison sparked a wave of responses from Malaysians who shared similar experiences with public hospital charges.
One netizen said they were initially billed around RM500 to RM700 when entering the operating theatre, but after subsidy, they only paid RM5. They added that in private hospitals, even small items like needles and plasters are charged separately.
Many expressed heartfelt appreciation for the system, with one writing: “Malaysia has one of the greatest subsidies in the world.”
‘Really grateful for the subsidy the government provides.‘
While public hospitals can be busy and crowded, the viral thread reminded Malaysians how crucial these subsidies are, especially for those who cannot afford private medical care.
For the OP, that RM12 bill was more than just a receipt. It became a moment of gratitude, and for many others, a reminder that accessible healthcare is something worth appreciating.
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