Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir has been appointed chairperson of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), effective March 1.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Salahuddin Ayub said Mukhriz’s appointment was consented by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong recently.

"Mada is a very important institution in the development of the national paddy industry, the ministry has made several important decisions for the development of Mada to increase national paddy output.

“As Kedah Menteri Besar, he (Mukhriz) is the most suitable to lead Mada," he told reporters after accompanying Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on a visit to the Oblong Burger Manufacturing Facility in Kampung Cherok Mokkan near Jitra today.

He said the appointment of the menteri besar as the authority’s chairperson would also reduce issues relating to bureaucracy, and facilitate aid.

The previous Mada chairperson was Othman Aziz.

- Bernama