GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has voiced its concern over the Pas-led Kedah administration’s plans to log water catchment areas in the neighbouring state.
He noted that environmental groups and farmers had condemned the Kedah government’s plans.
“I, too, am concerned as logging at water catchment areas, especially at the Muda dam, is going to have a direct effect on Penang,” he said, adding that Penang was now relying on Sungai Muda for 80 per cent of its water needs.
Lim said the Kedah government should be taking steps to gazette water catchment areas instead of planning to reap financial gains from cutting down the trees.
He said the move was not in the interest of the environment, the public nor the protection of water resources.
“It is also not in line with what we, in the opposition, had all been talking about in regard to protection of the environment.”
Asked what the state government planned to do about it, Lim said he had directed the Penang Water Board (PBA) management to write a letter to the Kedah government expressing Penang’s concerns about the logging plans.
“After that, if it is necessary, I will communicate directly with the Kedah government.”
Lim said this at a press conference at his office yesterday.
Also present was PBA general manager Jaseni Maidinsa, who earlier briefed Lim about the possible consequences of the Kedah government’s plans.