Single mother, salesperson deny making false Perkeso claims

A single mother and a salesperson have pleaded not guilty to 16 charges of submitting fraudulent documents for claims under the Perkeso Employment Retention Program 2.0. The accused, Shareen Noordin David Noordin, 53, and Neoh Wooi Lee, 50, entered their pleas at the Sessions Court in Ipoh.

The charges stem from alleged false claims made two years ago under the government initiative designed to support employment during economic downturns. The Perkeso (Social Security Organization) program aimed to provide incentives to employers to retain their workers.

Both defendants maintained their innocence when the charges were read out in court. The prosecution presented the details of the 16 counts, which involve the alleged submission of falsified documentation to Perkeso in an attempt to unlawfully obtain financial benefits from the program.

The court has set a date for further proceedings. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat fraud and ensure the integrity of social welfare and employment support programs. The defendants face potential penalties if found guilty of the charges.