Delay in fertiliser distribution to Kedah padi farmers: MACC opens probe

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into delays in the distribution of supplementary compound fertiliser, known as Baja 3, to padi farmers in Kedah. According to the New Straits Times, the probe was initiated after a complaint from Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (Pesawah) on August 26. The delays affect about 100,000ha of padi-growing areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the MACC to review the delays and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred, as reported by Malay Mail and The Vibes. Anwar stressed that the delays should not have happened and must not recur. He warned that if a company repeatedly fails to deliver, its contract could be cancelled, and action could be taken against those responsible, including prosecution.

Anwar also expressed concern that padi farmers should not be burdened with issues that disrupt their livelihoods, especially given existing problems such as water supply and hot weather conditions. The Prime Minister has asked the MACC to establish which company was entrusted with the fertiliser supply, whether it fulfilled its obligations, and why action was not taken if it failed to do so.

Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times, Malay Mail, The Vibes — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.