Kedah Fertiliser Issue: Mat Sabu Among 37 Witnesses Questioned by MACC
KAJANG: Agriculture and Food Security Minister (KPKM) Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu was among 37 witnesses whose statements were recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist investigations into delays in the distribution of additional compound fertiliser (Paddy Fertiliser 3) to paddy farmers in Kedah.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said Mohamad Sabu’s statement was recorded on Sept 16 at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.
“A total of 37 witnesses have been called to have their statements recorded, including the KPKM Minister and KPKM Secretary-General Datuk Isham Ishak, whose statement was recorded on Sept 15, also at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.
“Another 29 individuals comprise members of the KPKM Procurement Board, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) Tender Evaluation Committee, Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) managers, fertiliser recipients at PPKs and MADA employees,” he told reporters at the MACC Shooting Programme with the Media at Kajang Prison here on Saturday.
He added that another eight individuals were employees of Taaveekun Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (TMSB), Sinergi Perdana Sdn Bhd and Permodalan Risda Berhad.
Abd Halim said preliminary investigations found that one of the reasons for the failure to supply the fertiliser according to schedule was the limited capital capacity of the company involved, which affected its ability to deliver the fertiliser within the stipulated period.
He said the investigation is currently focused on Section 471 of the Penal Code, which covers the offence of fraudulently or dishonestly using a forged document as genuine.
He said the investigation team is actively analysing bank statements as well as the company’s financial documents and ledgers from 2023 to 2025, verifying a Credit Facility Balance Confirmation (JBKK) valued at RM22.07 million, and comparing Certificates of Analysis (COA) with the relevant laboratory reports.
“In addition, the investigation is also focusing on weaknesses in governance, which were among the factors contributing to the delays in fertiliser supply.
“The findings on these governance weaknesses will serve as the basis for improvements to the systems and procedures of the agencies concerned,” he said.
According to Abd Halim, based on preliminary findings, a company managing director was arrested on Sept 12 and remanded for four days until Sept 16.
“The individual has since been released on MACC bail,” he said.
The Kedah MACC had earlier received a complaint from the Malaysian Paddy Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (PESAWAH) on Aug 26 before opening an investigation paper into the alleged delay in the supply of fertiliser appointed by KPKM to meet the needs of the 100,000-hectare MADA area.
Sinar Harian