THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Social Security Organisation (Socso) have launched Ops Hire to investigate the issue of false claims and misappropriation of Employment Recruitment Incentives Programme (PenjanaKerjaya) funds in several states, starting today, the agencies said.

The MACC said that the large-scale operation will be conducted by MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, together with its state branches.

“PenjanaKerjaya is a government initiative to help employers and employees facing the Covid-19 challenge, and it started in early 2020.

“It is implemented by Socso to stimulate the country’s economy through the creation of new jobs, maintaining employment and improving the skills of workers,” the MACC said in a statement.

The agency added that it had co-operated with Socso, which has developed information through monitoring and intelligence on the recipients of funds, and found that there are employers who submit false claims and misappropriate these funds.

The MACC said it viewed the issue seriously, as it is in the public interest, adding that it will carry out a thorough investigation any parties found breaking the law will be prosecuted. – Bernama, July 13, 2022.