ALOR SETAR: Penang is morally obliged to pay Kedah for the water it takes from Sungai Muda, says Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man.
He said Penang has every right to draw water from Sungai Muda in its territory, but should realise that Kedah had also made efforts to protect the water catchment areas in the Ulu Muda forest.
"I have met the chief minister twice and told him that morally Penang has to pay Kedah as the latter has sacrificed in preserving thousands of acres of forest to ensure the water source is not destroyed," he told a press conference after officiating the PAS Wanita wing meet at Dewan Al-Hana in Sik on Friday (Sept 2).
He said because of this, the Kedah government lost potential revenue and should receive a token for its sacrifice.
Tuan Ibrahim said Penang’s attempt to get water from Perak was also futile, as northern Perak was facing water shortages, due to supply issues and drought.
He repeated his stance that Penang should tap into alternative sources of water, including underground reserves.
The water Penang draws water from Sungai Muda in Kepala Batas supplies about 80% of the state's population.
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