KAJANG, Sept 19 — 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.

MACC Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd 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 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).

“The investigation is still ongoing, and is expected to be finalised within another week or two,” he told a press conference here today.

Abd Halim said the MACC would also 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.

He said that, at this stage, MACC believes there are criminal elements and governance-related issues in the case, but is more focused on the criminal aspects.

“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,” he added.

Previously, MACC’s initial investigation found that a company was supposed to supply 616,015 bags of fertiliser, but until September only 333,655 bags had been supplied, leaving 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). — Bernama