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New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perkeso saves RM49 million from fraud investigations since 2020
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of nearly RM49 million in social security funds has been successfully saved since 2020 as a result of investigations by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) into fraud cases. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said that from that period until April this year, 679 cases involving elements of fraud were actively investigated, including the Temporary Disablement Benefit Scheme (FHUS), Permanent Disablement Benefit Scheme (FHUK), the Invalidity Scheme and Health Screening Programme (HSP). "This success was achieved as a result of investigations leading to the suspension of 383 cases or 56.5 per cent of the total investigated, reflecting that strict governance and management can have a significant impact on system efficiency," he said. He said this while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 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 today. Also present were Perkeso chairman Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal and group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed, as well as ABIME president and founder Prof Dr Mohammed Ranavaya. Commenting further, Sim said that benefit fraud, however, remains a challenge as losses amounting to RM2.1 million were recorded throughout 2024 due to unauthorised claims. "In the ongoing effort to curb fund leakage, Perkeso is also reviewing the Constant Attendance Allowance (ELS) to ensure the eligibility of recipients is continuously verified. "Throughout the period from 2020 to April this year, a total of 509 ELS cases were reviewed, with 117 cases or 22.9 per cent recommended for suspension, resulting in the long-term saving of social security funds amounting to over RM12.2 million," he said. According to him, the challenge of fraud, which is now global and driven by labour mobility and cross-border services, requires Malaysia to adopt a comprehensive prevention framework that includes legal reforms, strict enforcement, digital innovation and transparent communication. Meanwhile, Sim also announced Dr. Mohammed Azman as the recipient of The Lifetime Fellowship of the American College of Independent Medical Examiners (FACIME) and Master Certified Independent Medical Examiner to recognise his contributions in the field of disability medicine and occupational health. "This award is not only an honour to Datuk Sri Dr Mohammed Azman and Perkeso but also a recognition for the Human Resources Ministry and Malaysia, showing that local professionals are capable of achieving the highest recognition at the international level," he also said. FACIME is the highest qualification in the Field of Disability Medicine, awarded only to those who have reached the highest level of knowledge, skills, and abilities as a quality Independent Medical Examiner.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
PERKESO fraud probe saves over RM48mil
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.
