New water threat looms in the north

Sungai Muda is a strategic water resource for three northern states. — Filepic

THE approval of permits for large-scale mining in Ulu Muda by the Kedah government will jeopardise water supply in three northern states with a combined population of 4.2 million people, said Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).

PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said that according to reports, Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had said his administration had approved a permit for a company to explore large-scale mining of minerals referred to as rare earth elements (REE) in Ulu Muda, Sik and Baling.