WWP: Kedah's 'outrageous' TAPS project akin to 'act of war'
By Audrey Dermawan - March 26, 2021 @ 10:57am
GEORGE TOWN: Kedah's plan to build 14 water tanks along Sungai Muda to ensure enough water for Kedahans and paddy farmers along the river is ill-conceived, unlawful and endangers the livelihoods of Penangites and the state's economy, the Water Watch Penang (WWP) said.
Its president Professor Dr Chan Ngai Weng said though Kedah's plan appeared to ensure water security to Kedahans and its paddy farmers, the plan would drastically reduce water supply in Penang as the quantity and quality of water flowing into Penang in Sungai Muda will be significantly reduced.
"Hence, this outrageous plan has been described as an 'act of war' and a form of political vengeance 'to throttle Penang's water supply' by some politicians, leaders.
"As the Kedah Menteri Besar (MB) and chairman of Syarikat Air Darul Aman, two highly acclaimed and respected positions, the MB must speak, act and carry himself with the highest respect and responsibility.
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"He must negotiate, workout and propose workable plans and solutions with his counterparts in other states when issues arise, and not approach anything in a confrontational way.
"All words, actions and suggestions by the MB must not only be good and beneficial to the people of Kedah, but also must not harm, endanger or cause hazard to anyone or any state," he said today, adding that WWP believes the MB is a respectable leader with equally high responsibility and will act in a responsible manner.
On Wednesday, the Kedah government announced that it would implement a riverside water catchment project that would be able to stabilise Sungai Muda's water level in times of drought.
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had said the project, known as Takungan Air Pinggiran Sungai (TAPS), would ensure Kedah has enough water supply to see through the dry season.
He had said that new barrages would also be built to stabilise the river water level to ensure water concessionaire Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd's pumps would not be rendered inoperable when water levels drop.
TAPS would kick off sometime this year.
As such, Muhammad Sanusi had cautioned that Penang has to be ready for this.
This prompted Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to say that Penang would submit an objection to the federal government and/or initiate legal action if Kedah implemented a project that threatened water supply in the state.
Chow stressed that any project undertaken by Kedah, involving the Sungai Dua upstream of the Lahar Tiang Intake in Penang, must comply with laws and regulations.
Chan said, as a water NGO (non-governmental organisation) that works on water issues in the country, WWP viewed the current water dispute between Kedah and Penang as escalating towards dangerous territory.
"The spat between the two states will not benefit anyone, but bring disaster to all.
"As such, WWP appeals to the MB to immediately cancel this plan to build the 14 water tanks before it is too late," he added.
Chan said, in the past, WWP had thanked the Kedah government for its promise not to issue any new logging concessions and its stand to continue the previous Kedah government's policy to protect the Ulu Muda Forests (main water catchment for the three northern Peninsula states of Kedah, Perlis and Penang).
"We hope the MB will also heed our appeal this time to shelf this current plan.
"Although based in Penang, WWP is working on various national and inter-state water issues for the protection of water resources and its sustainability.
"WWP would like to applaud the Kedah Menteri Besar, Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, and the Kedah government, if this 14 water tanks plan is cancelled," he said.
Sungai Muda supplies drinking water to more than four million people in the three states of Kedah, Perlis and Penang.
"WWP believes no issue is unsolvable.
"This water issue between Kedah and Penang should be taken up by the National Water Resources Council or the Environment and Water Minister (Kasa) or the National Water Services Commission (Span) to work out a solution.
"Forming a Muda River Basin Council may be another solution," he suggested.