Malaysia probes 1,638 firms over alleged fraud in job incentive scheme

Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission (SPRM) has placed 1,638 companies under scrutiny as part of 'Ops Daya,' an investigation into the fraudulent claims of the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 employment incentive scheme. The operation, launched on June 9, is actively investigating suspected falsification of claims, which has led to the arrest of 97 individuals so far.

Initially, the SPRM focused on 143 companies suspected of submitting false claims amounting to approximately RM9 million. However, ongoing intelligence gathering and investigations have expanded the scope, identifying a total of 1,638 companies potentially linked to the scheme. The estimated total value of fraudulent claims under investigation has risen to RM45 million, with current losses estimated at RM5 million after partial recovery efforts.

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Ops Daya is an ongoing process. As of today, 97 arrests have been made and the operation will continue until the investigation is complete.

SPRM Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman stated that the operation is ongoing and will continue until investigations are complete, without a set deadline. He emphasized the commission's thorough approach, stating, "We don't need to rush and we are not chasing time." The speed of the investigation depends on cooperation from the Social Security Organization (Perkeso). The SPRM is also looking into various fraudulent methods, including the use of individuals' data without consent, one-time payments to registered but non-existent employees, and the misuse of information related to persons with disabilities (OKU) to channel funds to other parties. The commission has refrained from disclosing the types of companies involved, citing the early stage of the investigation.

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We don't need to rush and we are not chasing time. The speed of completing the investigation depends on the level of cooperation received from the Social Security Organization (Perkeso) at the headquarters and state levels.