IN today’s unpredictable world, planning ahead and ensuring security for yourself and your loved ones is more than just good sense, it’s an essential part of a responsible life.
As the cost of living rises and unforeseen challenges become more common, taking early steps to protect your future has never been more crucial. This kind of forward-thinking isn’t about wealth or luxury, it’s about building a strong foundation for long-term wellbeing. Investing in family and the future isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, and it should begin at a very young age.
Despite this, many people, particularly young individuals still underestimate the importance of things like health coverage and insurance.
According to singer and actor Alif Satar, this mindset needs to change.
He stressed that these forms of protection are often viewed as luxuries, when in fact, they are essential responsibilities that should be prioritised early in life, regardless of income level.=
“There’s a plan as low as six ringgit that, if you start now, can provide up to RM500,000 ringgit in coverage in the event of death. So to say that people can't afford it is quite unreasonable.
"Even in this digital age, where people sell things online and across so many social platforms, there’s really no excuse not to explore affordable protection options for your future for your kids, future for your wife,” he said when met recently.
As a public figure, he wanted people to follow his journey, hear his story, and hopefully shift their mindset.
He hoped they would begin planning ahead, understanding that without early preparation, there would be nothing to fall back on, especially when faced with mounting debts, the loss of a home, or unexpected health issues.
Alif said had seen how quickly things could unravel when someone was working one day and then suddenly unable to provide the next due to a decline in health.
"They did a survey asking Malaysians whether they think financial planning or protection is important, 65 per cent said yes. But out of that 65 per cent, only 15 per cent are actually protected. That means 85 per cent aren't, and that's a scary reality."
"In my line of work, I see this all the time. Despite knowing the importance of financial protection, many people remain unprotected. It's a serious concern that needs more awareness.
“Probably they do have the awareness but they don't know how or they don't know when to start,” he said.
He said that people didn’t really talk about it much. While many believed in the afterlife, he felt it was also their responsibility, as Muslims, to be mindful of what they were doing in this world.
He pointed out that some people were aware and knowledgeable about these things, but others might not be. As for himself, he admitted he was still figuring it all out too.
How to start?
Alif stated that getting started was actually very easy, the timing didn’t have to be perfect, and anyone could begin right away.
He shared that seeking advice from the right people, such as financial planners or advisers at Sun Life Malaysia, could make a big difference, as they tailor guidance based on an individual’s lifestyle, financial plans, and goals.
Alif said he often reminded people that the most important thing was simply to start, no matter where they were financially.
"The first step is to start saving, then invest, and finally, protect the legacy. While there are many podcasts, shows, and content creators sharing their knowledge, it's important for people to receive the right information and advice
"With the right guidance, we can avoid making poor choices that may affect our lives in the long run, because at the end of the day, we are all responsible for the decisions we make,” he said.
He added that hopefully there will be more programmes and content creators to speak about this and create more awareness, especially for the youth to prepare themselves for the future.
A recent Sun Life Malaysia survey, “Insure or Unsure: Sun Life Insurance Literacy Survey 2025”, revealed that 85 per cent of Malaysians lack a financial legacy plan, posing serious risks to their families' future security.
While 65 per centacknowledge the importance of legacy planning, only 15 per cent have taken concrete steps—such as getting insurance/Takaful (71 per cent), setting up trust funds (53 per cent), or drafting wills (44 per cent). This gap between awareness and action highlighted widespread unpreparedness, leaving many families exposed to financial instability, future conflicts, and disrupted wealth transfer.
The survey, conducted with 1,040 respondents across income levels and regions, found that married individuals (60 per cent) are the most aware of the need for legacy planning, compared to singles (34 per cent) and others (6 per cent). Yet awareness alone doesn’t guarantee action.
Encouragingly, 54 per cent of those who have started legacy planning did so with professional advice, showing a growing reliance on expert guidance.
To address this gap, Sun Life Malaysia is expanding its InsureLit campaign in 2025, following the success of its 2024 initiatives. Plans include digital tools, explainer videos, youth literacy programs, roadshows, and more, aimed at empowering Malaysians to plan better, protect their families, and secure lasting legacies.