SPRM siasat kelewatan bekal baja kepada pesawah di Kedah

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (SPRM) is investigating allegations of malfeasance in supplying additional equipment, known as Baja 3, to victims in the state of Kedah, in accordance with Section 18 of the SPRM Act 2009. The investigation was initiated following a complaint by the Malaysian Association of Drivers (Pesawah) on August 26, according to Berita Harian.

The probe is not solely focused on criminal aspects but also encompasses potential management weaknesses leading to delays in equipment delivery. The equipment is managed by a company appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) to cater to the 100,000-hectare Mada Development Corporation. SPRM has also documented statements from a Pesawah witness and received several documents to assist the investigation.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim directed SPRM to investigate the delay in equipment delivery to victims in Kedah, emphasizing the need to identify the root cause of the delay, including examining the appointed company responsible for managing the equipment. SPRM Chairman Abb Halim Aman confirmed the investigation was launched under Section 18 of the SPRM Act 2009, and the agency is in communication with KPKM and Mada for further inquiry.

Earlier, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu stated that the government has decided to terminate the services of a company for the allegedly malfeasant equipment delivery, but expects the issue to be resolved once the remaining equipment is transferred to Mada within 10 days. Earlier reports had indicated that around 40,000 out of 60,000 victims in the Mada region were expected to be adversely affected due to the delay in receiving additional equipment.