MACC reviews documents over alleged RM80mil Felda Palong 7 irregularities

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is scrutinising at least five documents pertaining to alleged irregularities surrounding an oil palm replanting project valued at approximately RM80 million at Felda Palong 7 in Jempol, Negri Sembilan. Pertubuhan Badan Bertindak Generasi Palong (Perbagi) submitted the materials as part of the MACC's investigation into the replanting programme within Felda's Raja Alias region.

These documents encompass a formal complaint and specifics of agreements concerning the provision of oil palm seedlings. Photographic proof, including images illustrating the height of the supplied seedlings, has also been forwarded to the investigators. According to a source, the MACC has launched an investigation and is presently examining the information and evidence presented.

The probe is anticipated to concentrate on the seedling supply, evaluating whether they adhered to the prescribed specifications and prerequisites. Earlier, MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman affirmed that an investigation paper had been initiated, and the data received by the commission is being evaluated. This investigation follows concerns over the quality of oil palm seedlings and the execution of the development and replanting programme at Felda Palong 7.

The Malaysian Palm Oil Board has been directed to probe the matter as well. The alleged irregularities reportedly surfaced after oil palm seedlings provided to Felda settlers were asserted to have failed to satisfy stipulated specifications, sparking apprehensions about the possible long-term ramifications on their earnings. The probe emerges following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call for rectification of weaknesses and problems in Felda's management.

Anwar also emphasized that shortcomings identified in Felda's management must be addressed and followed by decisive action to bolster its governance and deter similar issues from resurfacing.