The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) has uncovered fraudulent claims amounting to RM9 million involving incentives under the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme through the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based detection technology.
PERKESO Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Dr Mohammed Azman Aziz said the irregularities were identified through assessments and investigations conducted by the organisation’s Anti-Fraud Division using its internal AI system, which was introduced in late 2024.
The findings generated by the system led to the identification of several suspicious patterns believed to indicate fraudulent activities before the information was formally referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in August 2025 for further investigation.
Speaking at a press conference held at the MACC headquarters, Mohammed Azman said early intervention enabled by AI had significantly reduced financial losses and prevented further disbursement of public funds.
According to him, approximately RM5.33 million in incentive payments was successfully blocked from being released to the parties involved, while another RM1.26 million that had previously been paid out was recovered following enforcement action against the employers concerned.
Also present at the briefing were MACC Chief Commissioner, Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman and PERKESO Deputy Chief Executive (Operations), Azirruan Arifin.
Mohammed Azman said the fraudulent activity was uncovered through continuous monitoring of the Daya Kerjaya programme, which offers wage subsidies to vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, parolees and women re-entering the workforce.
He explained that, based on official records, the companies involved initially appeared to meet programme requirements, including registration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and active PERKESO contribution payments, allowing subsidy approvals to proceed as normal.
However, further analysis revealed unusual employment trends, including cases where workers were reportedly terminated immediately after the six-month subsidy period ended.
“When such patterns emerged, field investigations were carried out and additional information was obtained through whistleblower reports before elements of fraud were confirmed,” he said.
Mohammed Azman added that PERKESO is currently enhancing its existing systems and strengthening safeguards to close any loopholes that could be exploited, with the aim of preventing future leakages of government funds and reinforcing programme integrity.
-HR HUB
