Mukhriz: Approval needed for construction on Kedah land with archaeological remnants

KUALA LUMPUR: All land owners in Kedah must obtain the approval of the Kedah government and the National Heritage Department before undertaking any construction if they find on their property structures that can be regarded as archaeological remnants.

Mentri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir  said the directive would be issued to avert a recurrence of the incident where the ruins of an ancient temple were destroyed last Monday in Sungai Batu, in the archaeologically rich Lembah Bujang. 

 "I have informed the state secretary. It will take some time because we have to identify the land owners to send this circular," he told reporters after launching a flood relief aid for Kuantan by the Kedah Umno Liaison Committee, here.

Mukhriz said the reconstruction of the destroyed ruins of the 8th century temple would not pose a problem because the temple had been reconstructed in 1974 and the individual, known as Haji Jalil, who did so was living in Malacca. 

"We have the plan and know what type of construction material is necessary, such as river stones, laterite and bricks," he said.

Mukhriz, who is the Kedah Umno Liaison Committee chairman, said Kedah Umno was also prepared to send aid to all flood-hit states according to their needs.