The General Directorate of Farmers’ Department announced that the Nafas constitution has been suspended as of today

KUALA LUMPUR: Farmers’ Organization Authority (LPP) chief executive Amir Matamin said the charter of the National Farmers’ Organization (Nafas) has been suspended from today, in a move aimed at improving governance and management within the organisation.

The Chief, as Registrar, issued the suspension order under Section 20(1) of the Farmers’ Organizations Act 1973 (Act 109), citing internal conflicts and disputes affecting Nafas’ operations and effectiveness.

“Following this decision, Nafas has the right to appeal to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security within 30 days from the date of publication of this order, in accordance with Article 21 of Law No. 109.

“The minister’s decision on the matter will be final and there will be no further appeal or appeal through any court,” he said at the press conference on Nafas governance reform, which was attended by LPP chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar.

The Chief also stated that during the suspension period, Nafas will be supervised by managers appointed by him to handle the operations and affairs of the organization.

However, he stated that Nafas will continue its activities as usual, continuing its duties with the existing staff and officers under the instructions of the appointed administrator.

He added that he will closely monitor the measures taken, focusing on the organization’s recovery to ensure strong governance practices are in place for the benefit of all farmers.

Meanwhile, Mahfouz said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mohamad Sabu, issued directives to improve Nafas administration and management over a period of nine months, which started on February 7 and ended yesterday.

“During this period, Nafas has been instructed to strengthen its management systems and comply with the guidelines issued by the Registrar.

“However, despite this directive, problems arose which led to conflict and internal discord between the Nafas board and its senior management,” he said.

He added that the issue has disrupted Nafas’ operations and objectives and has also affected the overall welfare of farmers.

When asked about the investigation into irregularities and leaks in the paddy fertilizer supply project, Amir said he would leave the matter to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“We have not received any updates from the MACC and they have not yet reported any findings.

He added that the Registrar will conduct an internal investigation in accordance with Article 20(1) of Act 109, giving the registrar powers to conduct audits and internal investigations under Article 19.

On Tuesday, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the agency had launched an investigation into allegations of irregularities and leaks in a paddy fertilizer procurement project managed by an entity under a ministry. -Bernama