MACC head denies calling farmers for questioning
AN air of confusion surrounded durian farmers here as they arrived in batches at the district Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office here for questioning, which is believed to be linked to land encroachment activities in the area.
This was despite MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Azam Baki being quoted as saying that the graft-busters had not summoned any unlicensed durian farmer to provide statements on the issue.
Yesterday, the Save Musang King Alliance (Samka) expressed its surprise by saying that Azam’s remark was not consistent with the actual situation.
“The MACC’s top management and its officers should communicate (with each other) before implementing any action.
“If it is true that the commission never ordered its officers to question any durian farmer, then it (the alleged questioning by MACC officers) has to be immediately stopped,” it said.
Samka said about 30 farmers accompanied by three lawyers had gone to the district MACC office here yesterday.
On Monday, some 50 farmers here were served with notices to appear at the district MACC office allegedly for questioning over land encroachment. The farmers had been operating the durian orchards without permits.
Tras assemblyman Chow Yu Hui said 20 farmers had their statements recorded by the MACC officers yesterday.
He said some farmers had received notice to turn up at the MACC office today despite it being a public holiday.