MACC may call in minister, sec-gen over Kedah fertiliser supply delays

 

The MACC is prepared to call in the relevant minister and ministry secretary-general if necessary as part of its probe into delays in fertiliser supplies to about 60,000 paddy farmers in Kedah.

MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman said he ordered a comprehensive investigation covering all parties involved in the policy, implementation, and tender processes for the fertiliser supply.

“Not only the secretary-general, but the minister too, will be called in if necessary. I have instructed the investigating officers to conduct a comprehensive investigation and leave no relevant matter unchecked,” he said at a press conference at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya today.

He added that anyone linked to the matter would be called in to ensure the investigation was conducted

Halim (above) said an investigation paper was opened following a complaint lodged on Aug 26 over a company appointed by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry allegedly failing to supply fertiliser to paddy farmers in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada).

He said MACC had so far recorded statements from 13 witnesses, including the chairperson of the Malaysian Paddy Farmers’ Brotherhood Association (Pesawah), four Mada officers, and eight staff members of Area Farmers’ Organisations (PPK).

Preliminary investigations found that the ministry-appointed company had supplied only 333,655 of the 616,015 bags required for the 2026 Season 1 as of September, he said, leaving a shortfall of 282,360 bags.

He said MACC had yet to determine who else would be called in as the probe was still at an early stage. The investigation is being conducted under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 in relation to false claims, including those involving the fertiliser supply arrangements.

MACC will also conduct a financial analysis of the company’s accounts, record statements from officers and fertiliser recipients at the 23 PPKs involved, and examine governance issues to identify any weaknesses that may have contributed to the delays.

Forgery syndicate dismantled

Meanwhile, Halim thanked the Road Transport Department (RTD) for its cooperation in dismantling a syndicate allegedly involved in forging documents for vehicle ownership transfers.

“Cooperation and the sharing of intelligence and operational information are key factors in the success of an operation and should serve as an example for all agencies,” he said.

Yesterday, 11 people, including six civil servants and five agents, were remanded for six days to assist investigations into the submission of false documents to RTD for vehicle ownership transfers involving 16 registration numbers.

Preliminary investigations found that the activity is believed to have taken place in 2025, with the agents allegedly conspiring with civil servants to submit false documents to facilitate the unlawful transfer of vehicle ownership.

- Bernama