MACC investigating Musang King durian project in Baling

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is investigating whether there is an element of corruption in the Musang King durian planting project in Gunung Inas, Baling, Kedah.

The project was alleged to be among the causes of the floods and water surge phenomena that hit several villages in the district on Monday.

Kedah MACC director Datuk Shaharom Nizam Abd Manap said so far no individuals or parties have lodged a report over the matter to the anti-graft agency.

"We have made a preliminary survey and investigation to identify whether it involved offences within MACC's jurisdiction.

"If there are, MACC will hand it over to the relevant authorities for further action," he told Sinar Harian on Saturday.

He said the MACC would also meet with several other parties to verify certain matters.

Shaharom Nizam also urged those who have information on any corrupt activities involving the issue to come forward so that further action could be taken.

Mud floods which occurred at about 4pm last Monday had claimed three lives, while hundreds of residents had to be evacuated to several temporary evacuation centres (PPS) with more than 80 houses destroyed.

On July 6, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor insisted he had no interest in the Musang King durian planting project in Gunung Inas, which was alleged to be one of the causes of the disaster.

On the other hand, he said an order to stop durian cultivation was issued in July 2020, which was two months after he became the Menteri Besar, and it also involved instructions for vegetation replanting to cover the ground.