MACC and Socso to probe PejanaKerjaya programme for false claims and misappropriation

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso) has launched an operation to probe allegations of false claims and misappropriation of incentives under the PejanaKerjaya programme in several states across the country.

Code-named Ops Hire, the commission said it was conducting the investigation simultaneously nationwide starting today.

"The MACC and Socso have developed information through monitoring and intelligence on funds recipients.

"We found that there are employers who have submitted false claims and misappropriated funds," it said in a statement. The MACC said it viewed the matter seriously as the programme was of public interest.

The commission assures the public that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to ensure action will be taken against those involved.

The PejanaKerjaya programme is a government initiative to help employers and employees during the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.

Implemented by Socso, the programme was to stimulate the national economy through the opening of new jobs, maintaining employment and improving the skills of workers.

The programme was announced by former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin under the National Economic Recovery Plan, offering financial incentives of between RM600 and RM1,000 to employers for each employee or apprentice employed for up to six months.