KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM2.12 billion in compensation was paid by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) to 219,640 members last year.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the payments were for permanent or temporary disability, pensions and invalidity schemes.
"From this total, 215,113 persons received compensation under the Employment Injury Scheme and the Invalidity Scheme under the Employees' Social Security Act, involving payments of RM2.10 billion.
"Meanwhile, 4,476 persons received benefits under the Self-Employment Social Security Act, amounting to RM26.54 million, and 51 received compensation under the Housewives' Social Security Act 2022, totalling RM75,947," he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) on the statistics for disability compensation and the ministry's efforts to curb cases of false claims.
On the issue of fraudulent claims, Sim said the ministry adheres to the principles of good governance and works closely with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.
Internally, he said, Perkeso also strengthened its checks and balances through the establishment of a Medical Board Decision Review Committee to ensure assessments are free from manipulation or fraud.
He added that Perkeso is planning to incorporate automation and artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness of disability and invalidity assessment systems, aligning with Industrial Revolution 5.0 to prevent future occurrences.