Top officials may face questioning in Kedah fertiliser delay probe

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has ordered its investigating officers to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into delays in fertiliser supplies to paddy farmers in Kedah, with indications that high-ranking officials could be summoned for questioning.

MACC Chief Commissioner Abd Halim Aman said the investigation would be exhaustive, leaving no aspect unchecked as authorities seek to establish what caused the distribution setbacks. The delays have affected approximately 60,000 rice farmers in the northern state, raising concerns about their ability to maintain production schedules.

While specific details of the inquiry remain limited, the MACC's directive to leave no stone unturned suggests the scope may extend to ministerial and secretarial levels within relevant government departments. Such involvement would typically indicate suspicions of potential administrative failures or irregularities in the fertiliser supply chain.

The investigation underscores growing scrutiny of agricultural support programmes in Malaysia, where timely fertiliser distribution is critical to the country's rice production targets and farmer livelihoods. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for the inquiry's completion.