MACC remands MD of fertiliser supply company over distribution delays

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has obtained a four-day remand order against the managing director of a fertiliser supply company over delays in distributing compound fertiliser, known as Baja 3, to padi farmers in Kedah.

Magistrate Eliana Ismail issued the remand order from today until Sept 16 after MACC filed an application at the Alor Setar magistrates’ court this morning.

In a statement, MACC said the man, who is in his 30s, was arrested at 2.30pm yesterday at the Kedah MACC headquarters in Alor Setar after having his statement recorded.

Kedah MACC chief Nazli Rasyid Sulong confirmed the arrest when contacted, saying the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.

On Sept 7, it was reported that Kedah MACC had opened an investigation into delays in fertiliser distribution.

The probe followed a complaint by Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (PeSawah) on Aug 26 over delays affecting fertiliser supplies to an area covering 100,000ha under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority.

MACC chief commissioner Abd Halim Aman previously said the agency might call in the agriculture and food security minister and the ministry’s secretary-general over the delays in fertiliser supplies.