MACC probing delayed Baja 3 fertiliser distribution in Kedah

 The probe follows a complaint by Pesawah on Aug 26 about delays affecting a 100,000ha area under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority.

MACC is investigating complaints about delays in distributing additional compound fertiliser, known as Baja 3, to padi farmers in Kedah.

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened an investigation into delays in distributing additional compound fertiliser, known as Baja 3, to padi farmers in Kedah.

MACC’s investigation will examine possible criminal wrongdoing as well as any governance failures linked to the delay, Berita Harian reported.

The probe followed a complaint lodged by Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (Pesawah) on Aug 26 over delays in supplying the fertiliser to a 100,000ha area under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada).

The supplier is said to have been appointed by the agriculture and food security ministry.

It is understood that the anti-graft agency has recorded a statement from a Pesawah witness and received several documents related to the case.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered the anti-graft agency to investigate and review the supply of fertiliser to padi farmers following complaints about delays.

Anwar said he had received complaints from padi farmers and that the cause of the delays must be identified.

When contacted, MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman confirmed that the investigation was being conducted under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.

“MACC welcomes the prime minister’s call and concern over this issue and has contacted the ministry and Mada for further investigation,” he was quoted as saying. - FMT