ALOR STAR – Kedah today proposed that the Finance Ministry pays RM130 million a year to protect its land for rice cultivation and the Ulu Muda forest reserve.
Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state can earn RM1.7 billion in annual land taxes if it converts agricultural land status to commercial while Ulu Muda is the main water catchment area for the northern region.
Ulu Muda supplies water to Perlis and Penang through three dams in Pedu, Ahning and Muda.
“It is a sacrifice by Kedah to ensure the padi land is fertile and able to provide for the country while our forest reserve is a diverse water catchment area.
“It is only fair that the state seeks such compensation.”
He hopes the federal government will consider this proposal in view of the great economic importance that the state plays.
He said Kedah also needs an injection of funds to stimulate sectors, such as farming, construction, tourism, small medium enterprises and retail, all of which are impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. – The Vibes, November 4, 2020
