Kedah fertiliser probe: Mohamad Sabu confirms giving MACC statement

MELAKA: Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has confirmed that he had his statement recorded by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to assist in an investigation into alleged irregularities and delays in the supply of fertiliser in Kedah.

Mohamad, who is also Amanah president, said he spent about 30 minutes giving his statement to MACC over its investigation into the delayed distribution of Additional Compound Fertiliser.

"Yes, it is done. I was called to give a statement, so I went to give a statement.

"It was brief. They called me, asked questions, I answered them and left it to them," he told reporters after the launch of the Amanah Melaka election machinery in Duyong here today.

Also present were Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof; Amanah vice-presidents Datuk Mahfuz Omar and Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad; and Amanah Melaka chairman Adly Zahari.

Mohamad said it was up to MACC to determine whether the commission was satisfied with the statement given.

He declined to elaborate on the contents of his statement, leaving it to MACC to determine any further action or developments.

On the letter of demand (LOD) related to the issue, Mohamad said he had left the matter to his lawyer in relation to legal action against the owner of an account who allegedly made malicious allegations against him on social media.

"The letter (LOD) depends on the circumstances. I leave it to my lawyer," he said.

Earlier today, MACC confirmed that it had recorded statements from Mohamad and the ministry's secretary-general to assist in investigations into the delayed supply of fertiliser in Kedah.

MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman had said that statements from Mohamad and the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Isham Ishak, were recorded on Sept 15 and 16 respectively.

It was reported that Kedah MACC had launched an investigation following a complaint by the Malaysian Padi Farmers' Brotherhood Association (PeSAWAH) on Aug 26 over delays in the supply of fertiliser appointed by the ministry to meet the needs of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) area covering about 100,000 hectares.