GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has seized some RM1 million in cash and valuables from 36 individuals, including five senior doctors, linked to a cartel accused of falsifying Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) disability claims.
Sources revealed that in addition to cash, the anti-graft body also confiscated jewellery, luxury handbags, watches, vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle registration plates, mobile phones, and other assets.
"To date, the MACC has detained a total of 36 people, including five senior doctors, in connection with the case. From them, we have seized about RM1 million in cash and valuables," said a source.
The source said the latest arrests involved two senior doctors and a company owner, who were remanded for four days following an application by the MACC.
The two doctors, employed at a government hospital in the state, are believed to have conspired with the company owner, who acted as an agent, to submit falsified documents for permanent disability claims to Perkeso.
"The total bribe money involved is estimated at RM2 million," said the source.
Meanwhile, state MACC director Datuk Mohd Fuad Bee Basrah confirmed the arrests and the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
In July, Senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam urged the Human Resources Ministry to investigate claims that doctors involved in Perkeso disability claims were linked to a cartel.
He revealed that Perkeso had suspended a panel after uncovering a syndicate at a Penang hospital.
He said that between 2018 and 2022, there were 683 fraudulent withdrawals of some RM43 million.
Sixteen of these cases were tied to a specific doctor whose services were terminated after the scheme was exposed.