More than 100 suspects to be charged over alleged false Perkeso claims, says MACC

 A total of 29 suspects have been charged in several states as of today.

MACC previously said the alleged false claims under Perkeso’s Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme had caused the government losses amounting to RM45 million. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

At least 100 people, mainly company owners and agents, are expected to be charged over alleged false claims submitted under the Social Security Organisation’s (Perkeso) Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said the prosecutions follow a nationwide crackdown on false claims under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, which provided employers with a monthly RM1,500 wage incentive over six months for each eligible worker hired, including persons with disabilities, former prisoners and senior citizens.

So far, 29 suspects have been charged in several states. Thirteen were charged yesterday in Pahang, Kedah, Kelantan and Perak, while another 16 were charged today in Perak, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah, Berita Harian reported.

“The list of people to be charged is extensive as the investigations involve cases nationwide,” according to MACC.

“All investigation papers have been submitted to deputy public prosecutors for review and a decision on prosecution.”

MACC said it would continue working closely with deputy public prosecutors to ensure that all those identified as having sufficient evidence against them are brought to court under the relevant laws.

The alleged false claims are estimated to have cost the government RM45 million in losses.

In June, MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman said 1,638 companies were under investigation for allegedly submitting false claims under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, involving an estimated RM45 million.

Among the main tactics uncovered was the use of individuals’ personal data without their knowledge – including information belonging to people with disabilities, parolees, and senior citizens – to submit claims under the programme.

It also found that some workers received only a one-off payment ranging from RM50 to RM2,400, despite full incentive claims being submitted in their names.

MACC had opened 63 investigation papers and arrested 97 people, comprising 11 agents and 86 company owners, as of June 30. Of those arrested, 77 were remanded to assist in investigations. - FMT