malaysiang
BUTTERWORTH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has insisted that he will not block and interfere in the investigation of the National Farmers’ Organisation (NAFAS) and Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) by the authorities including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). He said the investigation must be done fairly regardless of rank and position or whether it involves government or private companies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar addressed the recent issues surrounding NAFAS, an independent body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and Khazanah Nasional Bhd, where he serves as chairman. He emphasized his commitment to not hinder investigations if reports were filed, insisting on prosecution and punishment if wrongdoing was found. Anwar made these remarks while officiating the 2024 National Level Hawkers and Petty Traders Day Carnival at the PICCA Convention Centre, Butterworth Arena, Penang.
Earlier, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed
that an investigation had commenced into investment losses of RM43.9 million suffered by Khazanah and Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) in FashionValet. Anwar highlighted his trust in MACC to conduct a thorough investigation on NAFAS and the alleged cartel involvement in the distribution and supply of padi fertilizer contracts, expressing his long-standing dissatisfaction with cartels prioritizing their interests over the people.
Anwar also reiterated the Madani government’s dedication to defending the welfare of the B40 and M40 groups. He mentioned that revenue savings from targeted subsidies would be directed to deserving groups, including hawkers and petty traders. The government, he noted, would continue studying the implications of subsidy withdrawals for the T15 group to ensure that it does not become a burden, especially for families with multiple dependents.
Furthermore, Anwar encouraged hawkers and petty traders’ associations to form cooperatives to streamline management and administration costs. He
advised these cooperatives to coordinate with ANGKASA to avoid overlap, as ANGKASA already operates distribution centers nationwide.
During the event, Anwar launched the National Hawkers and Petty Traders Development Policy 2030 (D3PKN2030), themed “Hawkers and Petty Traders are the Pulse of the National Economy”. The policy seeks to empower hawkers and small traders to contribute positively to the national economy and societal well-being.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick and his deputy Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Penang Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, and GPPPKMM president Datuk Zainal Abidin Abdul Majid.
HPPK is celebrated annually on November 18 to honor the contributions of hawkers and petty traders to the national economy. This year’s event, themed “MADANI Hawkers and Petty Traders: Viable, Sustainable”, brought t
ogether hawkers and petty traders from across the country for a three-day carnival concluding tomorrow.
