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The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
More younger workers falling ill
PERKESO flags rise in NCD-related health claims among those in their 30s PETALING JAYA: A growing number of younger workers have sought social security support as their livelihoods are significantly impacted by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), says Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz Mohammed ( pic ). 'The average age of workers affected by NCDs is getting younger. 'The number of workers in their 30s requesting benefits has surged over the past decade – from 260 individuals in 2014 to 537 in 2024 – marking a 107% increase. 'A similar pattern is also seen in debilitating NCDs such as stroke, diabetes and heart diseases,' he told Sunday Star. He warned that the percentage of employees with NCDs will continue to rise if significant lifestyle changes do not occur among younger workers. 'Each year, around 230,000 employees become eligible for PERKESO's Health Screening Programme (HSP) as they turn 40. Of these, about 18% take the opportunity to get their health screened. 'The findings are alarming: A large percentage – 60% – were found to be overweight or obese during the health check-ups; 60% had hypercholesterolaemia; 19% were diabetic; and another 19% were hypertensive. 'A smaller but significant percentage – 3% – were found to have chronic kidney disease, a sequela of NCDs,' he said. He also noted that of the more than 40,000 new invalidity applications PERKESO receives every year – from workers claiming to be totally incapacitated – nearly half are due to NCD complications. 'Sadly, the proportion of applicants under the age of 50 is also increasing. Much can be said from the health morbidity data about older adults who are now suffering from the effects of lifestyle diseases,' he added. Dr Mohammed Azman said the poor health status of workers should serve as a warning that immediate action must be taken to promote healthier lifestyles among the population. He called on the government, private sector and civil society to play a role in promoting a way of life that supports health, safety and well-being. Higher education institutions should also foster healthy lifestyles that can be adopted by students, who will make up the future workforce, he said. Dr Mohammed Azman revealed that plans are in motion to offer a broader health screening programme to enable the detection of more conditions. 'The new screening programme, which will be part of PERKESO's primary care approach, will be introduced in batches later this year,' he said. He said PERKESO has included younger workers aged 18 and above in general screenings conducted during its field campaigns. 'The HSP is not static as it was when first introduced a decade ago. 'PERKESO recently enhanced the HSP as part of the Belanjawan Madani initiatives, adding more tests, including cancer screenings. This led to a nearly five-fold increase in uptake within the year. 'Presently, the HSP includes a specific test to detect diabetes and has expanded to incorporate niche screenings such as for the human papillomavirus (HPV),' he said. Malaysian Employers Federation president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said a future-ready workforce should be skilled, as well as physically, mentally and socially resilient. 'Poor health among graduates will eventually translate into lower productivity, higher medical costs and increased absenteeism. 'Health promotion should be integrated into national employability and workforce development strategies,' he said.
The Star
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Socso probed 679 suspected fraud cases since 2020, says HR Minister
PETALING JAYA: The Social Security Organisation (Socso) investigated a total of 679 suspected fraud cases from 2020 until April 2025, says Steven Sim. 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.
