The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) opened 81 investigation papers involving 143 companies for alleged irregularities linked to Socso's Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme, which reportedly involved RM9 million in false claims [1, 2]. A total of 98 individuals were detained under Ops Daya, with 77 remanded to assist probes involving 320 workers for the 2024-2025 period [1, 2].
MACC has recommended prosecution in 69 cases related to the programme, targeting companies, agents, and individuals suspected of wrongdoing [1, 3, 2]. Investigators recorded statements from 724 individuals, froze 36 company bank accounts containing RM463,076, and seized cash, gold, and valuables worth RM74,168 to support their investigations [1, 2].
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said one investigation remains active while five others were cleared for no further action. He emphasized that MACC is focusing on improving governance at Socso rather than enforcement actions against the agency itself, explaining, "What the MACC can do is provide advisory services. We will send a team from the governance investigation division to Socso to help strengthen its procedures and governance, particularly regarding fund disbursement and recovery" [1, 2]. Socso has requested an MACC integrity officer, and one will be deployed soon, the chief commissioner added [2].
Separately, MACC secured remand of 33 individuals, including 10 enforcement officers and civil servants, suspected of bribery linked to foreign nationals offences across Putrajaya, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka [4, 5]. The officers allegedly accepted bribes to overlook Immigration Act violations and improperly issued visas and permits [4, 5]. The suspects, aged 20 to 50, include 24 men and 9 women. These cases cover offences committed between 2021 and 2026 and are investigated under Sections 16(b)(A), 17(a), 17(b) and 18 of the MACC Act 2009, noted Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman [4, 5].
The crackdown began with the July 8 arrests of foreign nationals-related suspects and intensified with the July 9 opening of investigation papers on the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 programme irregularities [1, 4, 5, 2]. MACC plans to file charges in 69 cases linked to the Daya Kerjaya 2.0 abuse by the first week of August 2026 [3].
