MACC investigates fertiliser delays affecting 38,000 Kedah farmers

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has launched an investigation into delays in the distribution of supplementary compound fertiliser to padi farmers in Kedah, according to a statement released today. The probe was prompted by a complaint lodged by the Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (Pesawah) organisation on August 26, which alleged delays in the supply of the crucial fertiliser.

The investigation is being conducted by the MACC's Kedah branch, which has recorded the statement of a witness from Pesawah and received several relevant documents thus far. The supply of the fertiliser is critical, as it affects approximately 38,000 farmers across 78,117 hectares of padi fields in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) area, covering 100,000 hectares in total.

According to the MACC statement, the inquiry aims to examine both potential criminal activity and any governance weaknesses that may have contributed to the delays in the distribution of the fertiliser. The MACC has engaged with the KPKM and Mada for further investigation, and has welcomed the concerns raised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim over the issue.

The delay in fertiliser distribution has prompted calls for compensation from padi farmers, who stand to lose out due to the shortfall. Mardhiyyah Johari, Pengkalan Kundor assemblyman, had previously urged the government to consider compensating farmers who suffered losses due to the delayed supply of the fertiliser, known as 'Baja Padi 3', in the Mada area. As of August 18, Mada reported that only 22% of the required 616,015 bags of Baja Padi 3 had been supplied, with 137,560 bags already distributed.