Human resources minister M Saravanan told FMT that he had instructed Socso’s anti-fraud team to investigate the matter when he discovered it several days ago.

Earlier today, his predecessor M Kula Segaran had urged the government to act on claims that many “dubious employers” had applied for funds under the programme without hiring any workers.

According to Saravanan, he had only heard of two such cases, one of which was reported by Sabai assemblyman D Kamache.

Kamache had lodged a police report on several individuals who were unemployed but were registered as Socso contributors and listed as working for a company that had applied for Penjana’s hiring incentives.

“I have not heard anything personally from the former minister, he did not communicate with me. However, Kamache informed me about this case and I’ve instructed Socso’s team to look into it immediately,” said Saravanan.

He added that investigations were expected to be completed some time this week.

“If I’m not satisfied with the report submitted, I will form a committee within the ministry to oversee the investigation procedures.”

However, if proven to be true, Saravanan said he would refer the matter to the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for further action.