SPRM siasat kelewatan bekal baja kepada pesawah di Kedah

The Malaysia Anti-Corruption Agency (SPRM) is investigating allegations of malpractice in the distribution of additional cement, known as Baja 3, to victims in Kedah. The preliminary inquiry was opened following a complaint from the Malaysian Association of Relief Workers (Persakah) on August 26.

The investigation not only focuses on criminal aspects but also includes any managerial shortcomings leading to delays in providing the additional cement. The cement distribution is managed by a company appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to meet the needs of the 100,000-hectare Mada Development Organization (Mada) area. SPRM has also collected statements from a witness from Persakah and received several documents to aid the inquiry.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim directed SPRM to investigate the issue of delayed cement distribution to victims in Kedah. He emphasized the need to identify the root causes, including the investigation of the company entrusted with managing the relevant cement delivery. Meanwhile, SPRM Chairman Abb Halim Aman stated that the inquiry was opened under Section 18 of the SPRM Act 2009. He noted that the agency has been in contact with KPKM and Mada to conduct further investigations.

Earlier, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu stated that the government had decided to terminate the services of a company responsible for delayed cement delivery. However, he added that the issue was expected to be resolved once the remaining cement is delivered to Mada within 10 days. Media previously reported that around 40,000 out of 60,000 beneficiaries in the Mada area were feared to be affected by the delay in receiving the additional cement.