KUALA LUMPUR: A managing director of a fertiliser supply company in Kedah has been remanded in connection with the delayed distribution of Baja 3 fertiliser to padi farmers in the state.
The four-day remand order until Sept 16 against the man, who is in his 30s, was issued by Magistrate Eliana Ismail at the Alor Setar Magistrate's Court on Sunday (Sept 13) following an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
He was detained at about 2.30pm on Saturday (Sept 12) after turning up at the Kedah MACC office to have his statement recorded.
Kedah MACC director Datuk Nazli Rasyid Sulong, when contacted, confirmed the arrest.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.
It was previously reported the delay in the distribution of additional Baja 3 fertiliser to padi farmers in Kedah is being investigated following a complaint received from the Malaysian Paddy Farmers Brotherhood Association (Pesawah) on Aug 26.
Following the complaint, Kedah MACC opened an investigation paper into the delay in the supply of fertiliser appointed by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to meet the needs of an Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) area covering 100,000ha.
Sources said the investigation was not limited to possible criminal elements but would also cover any weaknesses in governance that may have contributed to the delay.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu had said the delay must be investigated transparently and thoroughly.
He said the ministry would give its full cooperation to MACC following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's directive to investigate the matter.
