The MACC has detained 32 individuals, including three doctors in Penang, in an investigation of a cartel allegedly involved in falsifying Social Security Organisation (Socso) disability claims.
MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki, when contacted by Bernama, confirmed the arrests, saying the detained individuals included two senior doctors from a government hospital and a specialist doctor from a private hospital.
He added that the detainees comprised 19 Socso contributors, eight agents, three doctors, and two “runners”, who were picked up in recent MACC raids.
“Most of the detained contributors are employed in the factory and port sectors in the state, and we expect to make more arrests as the investigation progresses.
“Some of the detainees, including the doctors, will be remanded in court tomorrow, while others have been released after their statements were recorded,” Azam said yesterday evening.
Serious matter
Azam said the MACC is focusing on the issue following revelations in the Dewan Negara in July.
“We take this matter seriously and have begun investigating the allegations,” he said.
In July, it was reported that Senator RA Lingeshwaran urged the Human Resources Ministry to clarify allegations that several doctors handling Socso disability claims were suspended for purported links to a cartel falsifying such claims.
He reportedly informed the Dewan Negara that these doctors were suspended until further notice after Socso discovered the activities at a hospital in Penang.
Lingeshwaran, a former director of Sungai Bakap Hospital in Penang, said he also learned of a cartel lobbying for the suspended doctors to be reinstated.
He further highlighted that there were 683 fraudulent claims between 2018 and 2022, involving approximately RM43 million, with 16 cases connected to a particular doctor whose services were terminated after the fraud was uncovered.
In a statement today, the Health Ministry pledged to cooperate with the MACC on the arrest of the three doctors.
“The ministry will not compromise with any elements of power abuse by its personnel, and will not hesitate to take the necessary action to ensure the public health sector remains in an optimal position.”
- Bernama
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.