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5 Health Ministry officials involved in Perkeso fraud transferred to other hospitals

KUALA LUMPUR: The five Health Ministry officials in Penang, who were reportedly involved in falsifying Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) disability claims, have resumed their duties.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, however, said, that they have been transferred to other hospitals while awaiting the results of the investigation.

"The five officials were placed on leave under the provisions of Regulation 43 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, effective from Sept 17.

"This follows their arrests by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with allegations of involvement in a cartel falsifying Perkeso disability claims," he said in a written parliamentary reply to Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan).

Lim had inquired about updates on the MACC arrests related to the cartel, actions to be taken against those involved, any reshuffling of the current management, and whether the Orthopaedic Department remains operational.

Dr Dzulkefly assured that the Orthopaedic Department continues to function as usual, providing specialist services to patients, with support from officers from nearby hospitals.

"The ministry is uncompromising when it comes to any form of abuse of power or corruption," he said.

On Sept 3, three senior doctors in the state were among 32 individuals arrested in a major operation by the MACC over their alleged links to a cartel accused of falsifying Perkeso disability claims.

Confirming the arrests, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said two doctors were picked up from the government hospitals while another a private hospital.

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