They were arrested by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in September to assist in its investigation into a cartel believed to be involved in such practices.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said the five officials were suspended from Sept 17 pursuant to Regulation 43 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

“The suspension lasted for 30 days to facilitate the (MACC’s) investigation and their suspension ended on Oct 16,” said Dzulkefly in a written parliamentary reply.

“They have since resumed their duties but have been transferred to other hospitals while awaiting the results of the investigation.”

MACC remanded 36 suspects in connection with the case in September, comprising five orthopaedic specialists, 19 claimants, nine agents and three runners.

It is understood that the cartel, allegedly active since 2017, was involved in making RM2.1 million in false claims related to spinal injuries and anterior cruciate ligament (knee) injuries.

It was said that claimants who received the money took 50%, while the remaining 50% was distributed among the doctors, agents and runners.

It was alleged that doctors suspected of forging the medical reports could receive up to RM10,000 for each claim.

The human resources ministry previously ordered Socso to suspend processing disability claims from hospitals allegedly linked to the cartel and to come up with new SOPs for processing these claims.