Chow Kon Yeow, the Penang Chief Minister, has called for the establishment of an “Ulu Muda basin authority” in order to protect the water catchment areas in the region. He emphasized that both the state government and Penang Water Supply Corporation have been advocating for the creation of such an entity for several years.
According to Chow, the Ulu Muda basin authority would serve as an agency responsible for managing the raw water sources in Ulu Muda, taking into account its significance as the main water supply for Kedah, Penang, and Perlis. He made these comments after participating in the launch of “Planting One Million Trees Within A Day” to commemorate Earth Day on Monday (Jan 22).
Regarding Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s denial of mud pollution in the catchment being caused by logging activities near the Tasik Muda reservoir, Chow stated that any logging activity in the state adheres to international regulations and standards.
Environmental NGO, RimbaWatch, recently urged the Kedah government to clarify the reasons behind logging activities near the Tasik Muda reservoir, claiming that it led to mud pollution. Chow acknowledged Kedah’s perspective, highlighting the potential loss of revenue if logging was prohibited.
He emphasized that the Federal Government is responsible for ensuring the protection of Ulu Muda from activities that could compromise the ecosystem in the catchment areas. Additionally, Chow revealed that he has consistently raised similar concerns over the past five years while advocating for the establishment of the Ulu Muda basin authority, which included discussions with two former Kedah mentris besar and three ministries.
