Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has recorded statements from Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and the ministry's secretary-general in connection with an investigation into the delays in the supply of fertiliser in Kedah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman stated that Mohamad's statement was recorded on September 16, while the secretary-general's statement was recorded a day earlier. He mentioned that a total of 37 witnesses had been called, and their statements recorded to assist in the investigation, which began on August 26, regarding the appointment of a company by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM).

Abd Halim disclosed that the investigation is still ongoing and is expected to be finalised within another week or two. He noted that the MACC plans to record statements from several more witnesses to complete the investigation, which is being conducted under Section 471 of the Penal Code, concerning the offence of using documents known or believed to be forged.

At this stage, MACC believes there are criminal elements and governance-related issues in the case, but the focus remains on the criminal aspects. Abd Halim emphasized that while governance issues are acknowledged, the priority is the criminal investigation. He refrained from providing further comments as the investigation is still active.

Initial findings from MACC's investigation revealed that a company was contracted to supply 616,015 bags of fertiliser. However, by September, only 333,655 bags had been delivered, resulting in a shortfall of 282,360 bags. 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).