Recurring threats

TEN YEARS ago, the Federal Government stepped in to stop Kedah from logging one of Malaysia’s most important water catchment areas – the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve.

The vast reserve is the source for 80% of Penang’s clean water supply, and contributes to roughly 70% of water in Kedah, and a slightly lesser amount in Perlis, according to water resource expert, Dr Chan Ngai Weng. He was amongst the cacophony of voices that pushed the issue of water security into the limelight back in 2003, when the state proposed to use heli-logging at Ulu Muda.