ALOR STAR – The Kedah government is exploring legal options over its demand to be paid for neighbouring Penang’s use of water from its own side of Sungai Muda river.
Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that possible legal actions have been outlined by the Kedah State Water Resources Board (LSANK).
The report on the options were submitted to him yesterday, and his office will now refine the choices in stages.
“I have just received a briefing from LSANK on several issues involving Penang’s dependence on Kedah in the water resources issue,” Sanusi said at a press conference at Wisma Darul Aman here today.
“In this issue, the state government will only consult with the Penang state government, not a company,” he said, referring to the state-owned Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
Kedah had previously demanded RM50 million a year from Penang for the payment of extracting raw water from Sungai Muda since 2010.
This is in spite of the fact that Penang draws water from the side of the river within its own borders.
In December, the Penang government urged Putrajaya to intervene in a plan announced by Sanusi that will allow for large-scale rare earth elements (REE) exploration in sensitive water catchment areas in Kedah.
Sanusi also revealed that the report prepared by the LSANK’s legal unit had revealed that the base of the Sungai Perai that flows in Penang is in Kulim, Kedah.
Sanusi also again warned the PBAPP not to interfere in the affairs of the Kedah state government, especially related to the issue of water catchment in the Ulu Muda forest reserve.
He claimed the frequent statements and reprimands from PBAPP aimed at the Kedah government was like an attempt to interfere in the affairs of the state.
“Kedah is a sovereign government, and no business company can interfere in our affairs," he said.
PBAPP is owned by the Penang government and operates as the state agency managing water treatment and supply for the public. – The Vibes, January 12, 2021
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