TERENGGANU: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered irregularities involving the government's Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, with false claims amounting to RM9.01mil.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said investigations, with an operation expected to begin next week, found that 143 companies involving 320 workers nationwide were linked to the alleged misuse of government funds under the Social Security Organisation's (PERKESO) initiative in 2024 and 2025.
"Under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, the government provides employers with a wage incentive of RM1,500 a month for six months for each eligible worker hired, including persons with disabilities, former prisoners and senior citizens.
"However, based on our preliminary intelligence gathering, several issues have been identified in the implementation of the programme. Among them, we found individuals who were declared as employees but did not actually exist," he told Bernama during a visit to the Terengganu MACC office here on Sunday (June 7).
Abd Halim said investigators also detected cases involving workers who did not meet the minimum six-month employment requirement but received the full incentive payment, as well as the use of forged documents to obtain the payments.
He said the MACC had also identified another 1,638 companies suspected of engaging in similar activities involving about RM45mil, although those cases remain at a preliminary stage of investigation.
Abd Halim said the commission has received good cooperation from PERKESO headquarters throughout the investigation and will continue working closely with the agency's state offices to facilitate operations, including the collection of information and evidence.
He also said that the MACC views seriously any elements of abuse or weaknesses in the management of government funds intended to benefit the public.
Abd Halim said the Commission's Governance Investigation division would intensify efforts to assist government departments, agencies and companies in improving governance and strengthening procedures to prevent leakages and misuse of public funds.
"If there are weaknesses in the system or procedures, we will help identify them and recommend improvements to ensure government initiatives are implemented more effectively and reach the intended beneficiaries.
"The Daya Kerjaya 2.0 case is one example of how a government incentive introduced with good intentions to help the people and create employment opportunities can be abused by irresponsible parties," he said.
Separately, Abd Halim said the MACC plans to establish Anti-Corruption Cadets at secondary schools to promote awareness and instil a culture of integrity and anti-corruption values among the younger generation.
As a start, he said the commission is considering launching the programme at one or two schools in Putrajaya or Kuala Lumpur involving between 30 and 40 students.
"Of course, we will first discuss the proposal with the Education Ministry. We will then look at whether the ministry agrees to it, as well as any constraints and the costs involved, such as uniforms and other requirements," he said. – Bernama
