PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is prepared to call in the relevant minister and ministry secretary-general if necessary to assist in its investigation into delays in the supply of fertiliser to about 60,000 padi farmers in Kedah.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman (pic) said a thorough investigation had been ordered, covering all parties linked to 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 here on Thursday (Sept 10).
He said anyone linked to the matter would be called in to complete the investigation and ensure it is conducted fairly, transparently and professionally.
Abd Halim said an investigation paper was opened after a complaint lodged on Aug 26 about a company appointed by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry failing to supply fertiliser to padi farmers in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada).
According to him, MACC has recorded statements from 13 witnesses, including the chairman of the Malaysian Padi Farmers' Brotherhood Association (Pesawah), four Mada officers and eight staff members of Area Farmers' Organisations (PPK).
He said preliminary investigations showed that a minsitry-appointed company had supplied only 333,655 of the 616,015 bags of fertiliser required for the 2026 Season 1 as of September, leaving a shortfall of 282,360 bags.
Abd Halim said that, as the case is still in its early stages and investigations are ongoing, MACC has yet to determine which other parties it may call in to assist with the probe, which is being conducted under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009 on false claims, including the fertiliser supply arrangements.
He said MACC would conduct a financial analysis of the company's accounts and record statements from officers and fertiliser recipients at the 23 PPKs involved, as well as examine governance aspects to identify any weaknesses that may have caused the supply delays.
Meanwhile, Abd Halim also expressed his appreciation to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for its cooperation in dismantling a syndicate 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.
On Wednesday (Sept 9), 11 people, including six civil servants and five agents, were remanded for six days to assist investigations into the submission of false documents to JPJ 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
