Three states yet to gazette water catchment areas

PETALING JAYA: Three states – Johor, Perak and Penang have yet to gazette their forest reserve water catchment areas, says the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry.The ministry pointed out that the catchment areas for the three states totalled 139, 290 acres (56, 370ha).

The National Land Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (pic) has asked for these state governments to take immediate action.

“The reason for gazetting is to preserve the source of water and the nation’s forest from being encroached upon and turned into development areas.

“It is a concern that these areas will be affected by development, which could undermine our forests and waters, ” it said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the council has agreed to a proposed amendment to the National Land Code to give more powers to land administrators to stop any rock-producing activities that could damage the environment.

The ministry also said it is mandatory for reviews from technical departments to be issued before permits for stone production are approved.