GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Water Supply Corporation and the state government are willing to back Kedah’s claim for federal compensation if the 163,000ha Ulu Muda rainforests are permanently conserved, gazetted and classified as water catchment forests.
“Conservation means no logging, no mining, no land development and no activityof any kind that threatens the rainforests of Ulu Muda,” the corporation’s CEO, Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa, said in a statement yesterday.
On Wednesday, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had slammed the water company, which he deemed unfit to comment on action taken by the Kedah government in relation to Ulu Muda.
Sanusi has issued a permit for a large-scale rare-earth-elements exploration in the state.
Jaseni said his corporation is joining the chorus against Kedah’s plans, adding that the mining project will inevitably cause extensive damage to forested areas.
“This project will cause deforestation and land clearing, and toxic waste will be produced at the most valuable water catchment areas in the Northern Corridor Economic Region,” he said.
The corporation considers water catchment areas such as Ulu Muda to be the first link in the water supply value chain.
“Without sufficient raw water, our corporation will not be able to produce enough treated water to meet Penang’s daily needs. This is our main business and it is our responsibility to meet the requirements of Penang’s water supply,” Jaseni said, adding that it had requested relevant ministries and the National Water Council to address the matter.
“It is not our intention to target the Kedah menteri besar for approving a permit related to the rare-earth mining (without the consent of the federal government).”
On Tuesday, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah told the Dewan Rakyat that the government was not ready to allow rare-earth mining activities, despite Kedah’s recent approvals. – The Vibes, December 12, 2020
