Water for Penang and Kedah comes from the forests of Ulu Muda

Water from the Ulu Muda forests is crucial for the nation’s ‘rice basket’ in Kedah. Photos: Filepics

The Ulu Muda Forest Complex in Kedah is a critical water catchment area for the three northern states of Peninsular Malaysia. It provides 96% and 80% of the treated water used in Kedah and Penang respectively, and is crucial for agricultural, industrial, commercial and domestic use.

Untreated water irrigates rice fields in Kedah and Perlis while treated water is crucial for the Bayan Lepas and Kulim industrial zones in Penang and Kedah.