KAJANG, Sept 19 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded statements from Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and the ministry’s secretary-general in connection with the delays in the supply of fertiliser in Kedah.
MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman said Mohamad’s statement was recorded on September 16, while the secretary-general’s statement was recorded a day earlier.
He added that, so far, 37 witnesses have been summoned and their statements recorded to assist in the investigation, which began on August 26.
The probe relates to the appointment of a company by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM).
“The investigation is still ongoing, and is expected to be finalised within a week or two,” he told a press conference here today.
Halim said MACC will also record statements from several more witnesses to complete the investigation, which is being conducted under Section 471 of the Penal Code, which concerns the use of documents known or believed to be forged.
He said that, at this stage, MACC believes there are criminal elements and governance-related issues in the case.
“We will set aside the governance issues for now because we are focusing on the criminal aspects. However, I cannot comment further because the investigation is still ongoing.”
Previously, it was reported that MACC’s initial investigation found that a company was supposed to supply 616,015 bags of fertiliser. However, only 333,655 bags have been supplied as of September.
The investigation papers were opened following a complaint regarding allegations that the fertiliser supplier appointed by KPKM failed to supply fertiliser under the Paddy Production Incentive Scheme (SIPP) in areas under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA).
