MDRT Goes Takaful

Many Malaysians do not understand the importance and difference between takaful and the conventional insurance, says Zuraidah Hanim Ibrahim, the first lady agent from Takaful Ikhlas Sdn Bhd to break into the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) ranks.

She said Malaysians were not aware of takaful coverage, as they often had the misconceptions on the differences between the Islamic and the conventional insurance. Only 10 per cent of Malaysians have takaful coverage compared to 42 per cent who have insurance coverage. The untapped market is actually is in the high-income market.  This is because they have no time to explore what is takaful and usually, they are insurance policy holders, yet looking for more and better coverage.

Zuraidah said takaful, an Islamic insurance concept grounded in Islamic muamalat (Islamic banking), observed the rules and regulations of Islamic law.  "In reality, it is better to have both kinds of coverage for a person, as both insurance structures give benefits in different ways," said Zuraidah, who manages over 1,500 Takaful Ikhlas policyholders.

On MDRT, Zuraidah said, with a personal production of family takaful for the first year contribution of RM461,000, she was able to make it to MDRT 2011, along with 7,000 other insurance and takaful agents from around the world. The minimum premium qualifying mark will increase every year, and for the MDRT 2011, the mark was RM420,000.  With the induction, Zuraidah, who runs her own financial consultancy via Subang Jaya-based Darul Asiah Consultant Sdn Bhd, joined the ranks of some 36,000 life insurers and financial services professionals from over 430 companies in 78 countries.  

The MDRT annual meeting is also designed to expose participants to innovative sales ideas in the life insurance-based and financial services business.  It will have about 100 speakers during its sales ideas breakfast sessions, motivational main platform presentations, educational afternoon sessions, and what it badges as insightful evening sessions. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service.