PARLIAMENT | The Environment and Water Ministry has suggested that the Penang state government makes financial contributions to Kedah in exchange for its neighbour's "sacrifice" to protect the Ulu Muda forest reserve and water catchment area.
Minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said the suggestion should be considered as Penang had benefited from Kedah's management of the water source.
"How good would it be if Penang, which gained a lot of benefits, can contribute financially to Kedah for its sacrifice of the water catchment area to ensure water supply to all neighbouring states," Tuan Ibrahim said.
He said this in response to Chow Kon Yeow (Harapan-Tanjong) who asked about the government's plans to protect the Ulu Muda water catchment area, including preventing the pollution of Sungai Muda.
Tuan Ibrahim said the Ulu Muda area is an important water catchment for Kedah and Penang, and Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had given an assurance that the forest area would not be cleared.
"Aside from that, any other logging areas which had been given prior approval but involved water catchment areas, he (Sanusi) had given an assurance that it would be replaced with another area," the minister said.
Tuan Ibrahim, the PAS MP for Kubang Kerian, added that the ministry also welcomed Kedah's commitment to protecting the water catchment areas, expressing hope for both state governments to reach a win-win solution on sustainable environment and water supply.
The Penang government previously welcomed Sanusi's commitment to preserving the Ulu Muda water catchment area.
Chow, who is the Penang chief minister, said his state government would hold Sanusi to his guarantee that the raw water supply for 4.2 million users in Kedah, Perlis and Penang will be protected.
Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim urged Penang to explore alternative sources of water supply, including reusing wastewater and underground streams.
He said Penang has also yet to gazette 3,398.94 hectares of proposed water catchment areas in the state. - Mkini
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