Penang-Kedah lock horns over water

If the Kedah government wants to collect revenue from Penang for pumping out Muda River water for its public consumption, it should drop the idea.
A furious Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng returned fire at the suggestion, saying that his government was instead entitled for a hefty compensation from Kedah for causing floods in northern part of the Penang mainland.
He was responding to the Alor Star administration's proposal yesterday to collect revenue from Penang for using water from Muda River, which Kedah claims as its own.
Muda River runs between the two northern neighbours on a 40km-border stretch from Sidam, Kedah in the east and the sea in the west and the stretch splits to two halves each side belonging to Kedah and Penang.
Lim pointed out that Penang has been pumping water from its side of the border river not Kedah's and stressed since the river was god's gift, no one should ever claim ownership over it.
Penang derives some 70 percent of its water from Muda River.
'We can ask for compensation too'
"The Kedah government should not ask money for it," he said, adding that the Penang government could also seek compensation for flood-related damages in the northern Perai district caused by the overflowing of Muda Dam in Kedah.
Currently Kedah is releasing 85 cubic litres of water per second from a overflowing Muda Dam to avert damages and Lim said this had caused frequent floods in northern interior areas bordering the river during normal circumstances, let alone during heavy downpours.
"Shall we too ask Kedah government to compensate for this?" he asked, adding that its northern neighbour should be more considerate and accommodating on the issue.
This is the second time Lim was involved in a public spat with Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak government over the Muda River water supply issue.
Previously both governments were entangled in a row over Alor Star's proposal to carry out 'heli-logging' in six forests in the Muda catchment area to compensate the loss of RM100 million in federal funds.
However, the altercation subdued after both governments had a heart-to-heart talk over the issue and Kedah seemed was no longer pursuing the project, which could earn it billions in revenue.
Stop-work order issued
Meanwhile, Lim's government had issued a stop-work order to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) on its double-railway track project across the state due to damages done by its contractors on Jawi River bank near Titi Hitam in the sourthern Perai district.
The damage has caused flood in the Perkampungan Jawi area affecting some 50 households.
Lim said the gag order would last for an indefinite period until the state government was satisfied that KTMB would be more responsible when carrying out its work, repaired all damages done so far and compensate the flood victims.
He slammed KTMB for causing damages to rivers, drainage and irrigation systems due to its irresponsible construction of access roads.
The state government has set up a special task force led by executive councillor Law Choo Kiang to check all sites to ensure the project was not causing anymore damages.
The RM12.4 billion double-track stretch from Ipoh to Padang Besar, undertaken by MMC-Gamuda, is expected to be ready in 2013.
The alignment for the 329km Ipoh-Padang Besar double-track project cuts across the four northern states of Penang, Perak, Kedah and Perlis. It will be linked between Ipoh and Rawang with another 179km double-track.
Piling works for the electrified double-track rail project in Penang started in April and has covered most of southern part of the mainland.
Lim also warned Penangites that they should be prepared for 'wet times' ahead as the state would face heavy downpours, 40 percent more than usual, until mid-November as the state was being be hit by the annual monsoon intermittent season.
Weather forecasters did not rule out the repeat of rainfall measured at between 180ml and 200 ml within 24 hours that happened two weeks ago due to the combination of high tide effect and torrential downpours.
High waves rising between 1.5 and 2.5 metres are also expected to hit the shores of Bagan Ajam, which houses fishing villages and boat building cottage industry.
The Pakatan Rakyat-led Penang government has already sought RM1 billion under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) from the federal government to carry out mitigation projects and once for all solve its flood woes.

tunku : they call themselves "pakatan" but they can't even meet and discuss for some important matters. they rather fight it through the media.i guess azizan should just collect revenue from Penang for pumping out Muda River water for its public consumption.as for KTM , they should look into legal action against penang government for delaying their work which involves the tax payer money.the project brings benefits to penang too.i guess the construction of the bridge is causing some flood too at batu kawan area,but guan eng is asking them not to delay on that.