Socso probed 679 suspected fraud cases since 2020, says HR Minister
The Human Resources Minister said these included those under the Temporary Disability Benefits, Permanent Disability Benefits, Disability Scheme and Health Screening Programme.
He said Socso's efforts to curb fraud had saved the agency more than RM48.64mil in terms of long-term funds.
'This success was achieved as a result of investigations leading to the decision to suspend 383 cases or 56.5% of the total investigated, thus reflecting that strict governance and management can have a major impact on the efficiency of the system,' he said.
Within the same period, he added a total of 509 Constant Attendance Allowance (ELS) were reviewed with 117 cases proposed for suspension, which led to another long-term saving of more than RM12.2mil.
However, Sim pointed out that benefit fraud remains a challenge with losses reaching RM2.1mil recorded throughout last year stemming from invalid claims.
On the benefits, Sim said there was no reason for Socso to withhold any entitlement and rights of workers, as they pay more than RM3.4bil annually to 464,593 contributors under various benefit payouts.
He also said that the fate of 10 million workers and their families was on their shoulders, thus making Socso more alert to fraud and errors in the system.
Sim said this during his speech at the opening of the Seminar on Fraud, Evasion and Error in Social Security and Insurance Claims, organised by Socso in collaboration with the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners (ABIME), on Tuesday (June 3).
Also present were Socso chairman, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal; Socso group chief executive officer, Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed and ABIME president and founder Prof Dr Mohammed Ranavaya.
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.
The aim of the event is seen as a significant step in addressing the challenges of fraudulent claims, system weaknesses and unethical practices that threaten the sustainability of the social protection system.
Additionally, Sim stressed crime involving fraud is a violation of the law that erodes trust in public institutions established to safeguard the welfare of workers as funds are diverted from the needy.
'The challenge of fraud is now global, driven by the mobility of labour and cross-border services, hence Malaysia needs to adopt a comprehensive prevention framework that includes legal reforms, strict enforcement, digital innovation and transparent communication.
'The ministry is fully committed to leading the reform of the country's social system by involving the entire related ecosystem.
'Therefore, I hope that this seminar will be a catalyst for a more robust and resilient social security system,' he said.
To the same tune, Subahan also said that Socso's fight against fraud was not new as it reflected a legacy of firm leadership and institutional resolve.
'Under the stewardship of Dr Mohammed Azman, our efforts began with tackling abuse in medical board processes and have since evolved to uncover and dismantle sophisticated fraud cartels.
'We are intensifying efforts across all fronts from strengthening claim verification processes to fast-tracking investigations through closer collaboration between Socso and enforcement agencies,' he said.
Meanwhile, at the event, Sim announced that 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, which is given only to those who have achieved the highest level of knowledge, skills, and abilities as a quality Independent Medical Examiner.
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