SOCSO Efforts To Curb Fraud Saves Agency RM48 Mln In Funds Since 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- 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 (SOCSO) 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 KESUMA (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.

-- BERNAMA