GEORGE TOWN: The delay in supplying Baja 3 fertiliser to padi farmers in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) must be investigated transparently and thoroughly, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said his ministry would give its full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for the graft buster to look into the matter.
"I welcome the Prime Minister’s directive for the MACC to look into the issue of delays in the supply of Baja 3," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Sept 6).
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Mohamad said records showed that the supplier had failed to meet delivery commitments, resulting in delays getting the fertiliser to padi farmers.
He said this had tarnished the image of his ministry and the Madani Government.
"The ministry will take appropriate action against the company concerned in accordance with the regulations and contractual terms," he said.
Mohamad said his ministry's immediate priority was to ensure the remaining fertiliser supply was delivered as soon as possible.
He added that monitoring would be tightened to prevent similar problems.
"The ministry will give full cooperation to the MACC to ensure every question relating to the supply process can be clarified," he said.
The delivery delays prompted Anwar to direct the MACC to scrutinise the supply process.
