PERKESO fraud probe saves over RM48mil

The Star

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) investigated close to 1,200 suspected fraud cases with various schemes involving long-term funds of over RM60.84mil, it was revealed.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim ( pic ) said these included active investigations into 679 cases of fraud involving Temporary Disability Benefit (FHUS), Permanent Disability Benefit (FHUK), Invalidity Scheme and Health Screening Programme (HSP), involving savings of over RM48.64mil in social security funds.
He said the investigations were conducted from 2020 until April.
'This success was achieved as a result of the investigation leading to the decision to suspend 383 cases or 56.5% of the total investigated, which shows that strict governance and management can have a major impact on the efficiency of the system,' he said in his keynote address at the opening of a seminar on Fraud, Evasion and Error in Social Security and Insurance Claims organised by PERKESO in collaboration with the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (Abime) here yesterday.
Over the same period, Sim said a total of 509 Constant Attendance Allowance (ELS) were reviewed with 117 cases proposed for suspension, which led to long-term savings of more than RM12.2mil.
He said benefit fraud remained a challenge with losses reaching RM2.1mil throughout last year stemming from invalid claims.
(Benefit fraud is committed when people deliberately claim benefits they are not entitled to).
Sim said the ministry was fully committed to leading the reform of the country's social system by involving the entire related ecosystem.
'The challenge of fraud is now global, driven by the mobility of labour and cross-border services, so Malaysia needs to adopt a comprehensive prevention framework that includes legal reforms, strict enforcement, digital innovation and transparent communication.
'I hope this seminar will be a catalyst for a more robust and resilient social security system,' Sim said.
The seminar, which saw some 400 participants, brought together various stakeholders including the Medical Board panel, members of the Appeals Board, representatives of enforcement agencies and insurance companies.
It was aimed at addressing the challenges of fraudulent claims, system weaknesses and unethical practices that threatened the sustainability of the social protection system.
Also present were PERKESO chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed and Abime president and founder Prof Dr Mohammed Ranavaya.
At the event, Dr Mohammed Azman received the Lifetime Fellowship of the American College of Independent Medical Examiners (Facime) and Master Certified Independent Medical Examiner awards.
The awards were presented by Prof Mohammed Ravanaya to Dr Mohammed Azman for his contributions in the field of disability medicine and occupational health.
Facime is the highest qualification in the field of disability medicine awarded only to those who have achieved the highest level of knowledge, skills and abilities as a quality Independent Medical Examiner.