Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered irregularities involving the government's Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, with false claims amounting to RM9.01 million. MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman revealed that investigations, with an operation expected to begin next week, identified 143 companies and 320 workers nationwide linked to the alleged misuse of government funds under the Social Security Organisation's (PERKESO) initiative in 2024 and 2025.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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, preliminary intelligence gathering has identified several issues in the programme's implementation, including non-existent employees being declared as workers.
Abd Halim reported cases where workers did not meet the minimum six-month employment requirement yet received the full incentive payment, alongside the use of forged documents to obtain payments. The MACC also identified another 1,638 companies suspected of engaging in similar activities involving about RM45 million, though those cases remain at a preliminary investigation stage.
The MACC has received cooperation from PERKESO headquarters and plans to work closely with the agency's state offices to facilitate operations, including collecting information and evidence. Abd Halim emphasized that the MACC takes any elements of abuse or weaknesses in managing government funds seriously, as these funds are intended to benefit the public.
The Commission's Governance Investigation division will intensify efforts to assist government departments, agencies, and companies in improving governance and strengthening procedures to prevent financial leakages and misuse. Abd Halim noted that the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 case exemplifies how a government incentive, introduced to help the people and create employment opportunities, can be misused by irresponsible parties.
In a separate initiative, Abd Halim announced plans for the MACC to establish Anti-Corruption Cadets in secondary schools to promote awareness and instil a culture of integrity among the younger generation. The programme may initially launch in one or two schools in Putrajaya or Kuala Lumpur, involving 30 to 40 students. Discussions with the Education Ministry will precede the launch to address potential constraints and costs involved, such as uniforms and other requirements.