by HIDAYATH HISHAM

HEALTH Ministry officers implicated in the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into a cartel falsifying Social Security Organisation (Socso) disability claims in Penang remain employed and have been reassigned to other hospitals.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (picture) confirmed in a written reply in Parliament today that the five officers involved were subjected to disciplinary action under Regulation 43 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

“All five officers have been suspended from duty under Regulation 43 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, effective from September 17, 2024. The suspension period is 30 days to facilitate the investigation process,” he told Dewan Rakyat.

Dzulkefly was responding to a question from Lim Guan Eng (PH-Bagan), who sought updates on the status of the officers involved and measures taken to address the management system.

The suspension, which started on September 17, ended on October 16  after which the officers resumed duty at different hospitals.

“Currently, the officers involved have resumed their duties but have been transferred to other hospitals pending the outcome of the investigation and charges by the MACC,” Dzulkefly added.

The officers were among 37 individuals detained by the MACC, including six doctors, 19 claimants, nine agents, and three runners.

The cartel, active since 2017, allegedly falsified Socso claims amounting to RM2.1 million, primarily for spinal and ACL injuries.

The cartel reportedly split the illicit proceeds, with claimants receiving half while the remainder was shared among doctors, agents, and runners. Investigations into the scandal are ongoing.