PETALING JAYA: A managing director of a fertiliser supply company in Kedah has been released on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) bail after being remanded over the delayed distribution of Baja 3 fertiliser to padi farmers in the state.
The man, in his 30s, was remanded for four days until Wednesday (Sept 16) to assist investigations into the matter.
He was released after the remand period ended but is required to report to the Kedah MACC office every month and to appear when called to assist investigations.
State MACC director Datuk Nazli Rasyid Sulong, when contacted, confirmed the matter and said the suspect had been released on MACC bail as investigations continue.
He was previously reported to have been remanded after being detained last Saturday when he turned up at the Kedah MACC office to have his statement recorded.
The investigation followed a complaint received from the Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Association (Pesawah) on Aug 26 over delays in the distribution of additional Baja 3 fertiliser to padi farmers in Kedah.
The MACC subsequently opened an investigation paper into the delay by a company appointed by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to supply fertiliser to the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) area, which covers about 100,000ha.
On Sept 6, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu acknowledged that the issue had tarnished the ministry's image.
He said appropriate action would be taken against the company concerned, adding that the ministry would give its full cooperation to MACC.
The ministry's immediate priority was to ensure the remaining fertiliser was delivered as soon as possible, he said in a Facebook post.
