Nafas suspension still in effect, says Mat Sabu

PARLIAMENT | The suspension of the National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) remains in effect nearly 10 months after it was first imposed over internal conflicts.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu confirmed this in the Dewan Rakyat today.

“As of now, Nafas’ suspension is still in effect. The Registrar of Farmers Organisations is overseeing the daily affairs of Nafas and conducting investigations into identified issues, while also improving governance to fully empower the organisation,” he said.

He was responding to Aminolhuda Hassan (Harapan-Sri Gading), who asked the ministry to state the status of Nafas’ suspension since Nov 1, 2024, and whether any reforms have been implemented under its new constitution.

Mohamad said the organisation is currently under the administration of an interim team appointed by the registrar.

“The registrar has appointed the Nafas Advisory Council, comprising five professionals experienced in governance and public administration.

“This council is tasked with reviewing all aspects of Nafas’ management and business operations, including its subsidiaries, to ensure that corrective measures are comprehensive, fact-based, and aimed at structured and integrity-driven institutional recovery,” he said.

On Nov 1 last year, Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP) director-general Amir Matamin, in his capacity as registrar, announced the suspension under Section 20(1) of the Farmers Organisation Act 1973 (Act 109), citing internal conflict and disharmony that had affected Nafas’ operations.

However, Amir said Nafas would continue operating as usual, with existing staff and officers carrying out duties under the administrator’s directive.

He also said investigations into alleged misappropriation and leakages in a paddy fertiliser supply project had been handed over to the MACC.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki previously confirmed that his office had begun a probe into the irregularities involving an organisation under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry.

Reporting by Alyaa Alhadjri, Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, and B Nantha Kumar

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