MACC remands MD of fertiliser supply company over distribution delays

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has extended a four-day remand order against the managing director of a fertiliser supply company. The arrest took place at the Kedah MACC headquarters in Alor Setar yesterday, with the suspect, in his 30s, subsequently having his statement recorded. Magistrate Eliana Ismail issued the remand order, set to last until September 16, following a MACC application at the Alor Setar magistrates’ court this morning.

The company, which distributes compound fertiliser known as Baja 3 to padi farmers in Kedah, has been accused of delays in supply. MACC confirmed the arrest at 2.30pm yesterday, stating the investigation is under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009. The probe began on September 7 after a complaint by the Malaysian Farmers Association (PeSawah) on August 26 over delays affecting fertiliser supplies to a 100,000ha area under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority.

MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman suggested the possibility of involving the agriculture and food security minister and his secretary-general over the fertiliser supply delays.