PETALING JAYA: The Kedah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has opened an investigation paper into the delay in distributing additional Baja 3 fertiliser to padi farmers in Kedah.
The probe comes following a complaint by the Malaysian Paddy Farmers Brotherhood Association (Pesawah) on Aug 26 over delays that has affected supply to an area covering 100,000ha under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada).
A source said the investigation into the issue was not limited to criminal elements but would also cover any weaknesses in governance that may have contributed to the delay.
MACC said it had so far recorded a statement from a witness from Pesawah and received several related documents.
“MACC welcomes the Prime Minister’s call and concern over the issue and has contacted the ministry and Mada for further investigation,” the source said.
Meanwhile, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman, when contacted, confirmed that an investigation had been opened under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
On Sunday (Sept 6), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ordered the MACC to investigate the matter.
Anwar stressed that the delay had caused padi farmers to become victims and said such a situation should not have happened and must not be allowed to recur.
