KUALA LUMPUR – Another 12 people have been detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its probe into false claims and misappropriation of funds under the PenjanaKerjaya programme.
Sinar Harian reports that the 12 were rounded up over RM63 million in funds allegedly misappropriated.
The Malay news portal said MACC senior director of investigation Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed the arrests, and that the individuals will be brought to court this morning for remand orders.
He said the suspects were aged between 29 and 53, and were arrested last night at various locations nationwide.
This brings the total number of people arrested by the MACC over the PenjayaKerjaya scandal to 59.
Yesterday, it was reported that 47 people had been detained for allegedly submitting false claims through the employment incentive programme.
Hishamuddin told Sinar Harian the latest arrests involved company owners, directors and managers.
PenjayaKerjaya is administered by the Social Security Organisation (Socso), to whom employers can submit claims for incentives for hiring local workers instead of foreign labour.
The programme was introduced during the administration of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
MACC also began allegations of false claims and misappropriation in the programme last year, arresting 45 people in July.
Its operation this year to probe the programme is called Ops Hire 2.0.
Socso chief executive Datuk Seri Mohamed Azman Aziz said in a statement yesterday that MACC is expected to make more arrests, as the organisation is cooperating with the anti-graft body. – The Vibes, May 17, 2023
