MB: KEDAH READY TO DISCUSS LOGGING
Talks to include request for compensation from Putrajaya, says Mukhriz
THE Kedah government is ready to discuss logging issues in Ulu Muda, Sik, with Penang and Perlis to protect the area and retain it as a water catchment area.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir said on Saturday that the discussion would include compensation request from the Federal Government in lieu of forest premiums following Kedah’s lack of income sources, such as oil and gas, compared with other states.
“Water is a huge asset to Kedah and we will make sure the supply is adequate as it is not only for Kedahans, but also for people in Penang and Perlis. We can sit down on the matter. We know where the logging problem is and I think Kedah can resolve the issue.
“Secondly, on the compensation, from my meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday (Friday), he was prepared to give due attention to the state government’s request as he understands we have sacrificed by contributing to the national rice production.”
Mukhriz said this after attending the Pakatan Harapan Aidilfitri open house at Dataran Darul Aman here on Saturday.
He said the state government would also ask for allocations in the form of grants to develop the water supply infrastructure in the interior of Kedah, then to Penang and Perlis.
“Previously, what we have received were in the form of loans, which burdened the state government, and our debt to the Federal Government in relation to the development of water infrastructure had reached more than RM2 billion.
“Hence, this is a matter we want to negotiate with the Federal Government,” he said.
On Saturday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his wish to hold talks with Kedah and Putrajaya on logging in Ulu Muda Forest Reserve.
He said the water catchment area at the Muda Dam in Ulu Muda, which supplied water to Kedah, Penang and Perlis, was shrinking and he was worried that the three states would face the risk of water crisis in the future.