POKOK SENA: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today promised that not even the 'Kemuncup' grass will be cut if the federal government allocates RM100 million annually to preserve the Ulu Muda forest reserve.
Sanusi said the special incentives would acknowledge the state's efforts in maintaining the forest's vital water catchment area for domestic and agricultural use in Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.
"With RM100 million allocated to us, we will preserve (Ulu Muda water catchment area), it compensates for our lost yields. Those are our state government's natural resources, these are lost yields for us.
"These (lost yields) are the dilemma faced by the state government. So there are methods and procedures in place.
"If it's possible, they won't allow us to cut down anything, if that's the case give us RM100 million and we will manage," he said during a press conference after opening a book fair today.
He said this in response to inquiries about whether the state government sought incentives from the federal government to preserve the Ulu Muda water catchment area.
A recent study conducted by environmental organisation RimbaWatch alleged that it found that logging in the Ulu Muda forest reserve which havs caused pollution to water catchment areas.
Meanwhile, Sanusi dismissed the claims by RimbaWatch accusing the state government of involvement with the water catchment area pollution through logging activities.
"They blame us for logging-related pollution in Ulu Muda. It's unfounded. The Forestry Department enforces all regulations under federal jurisdiction. Attacking the state government is inaccurate," he added.
Commenting on Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's proposal to establish the Ulu Muda Basin Authority under federal jurisdiction to manage the water catchment area, Sanusi reiterated his opposition to the idea.
"If Penang depends on Ulu Muda for its water supply, they must pay the price for it. Kedah will ensure adequate water reaches them if they pay.
"Don't propose creating agencies that involve other states entering Kedah's territory. I won't allow it, and my officials won't be involved," he added.
On Monday, Chow urged Putrajaya to consider the proposal made by the Penang government and Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
He stressed that the water catchment area in Ulu Muda needs professional management as it is vital for channeling raw water supply.
In an earlier response, Sanusi strongly opposed the idea of establishing the Ulu Muda Basin Authority, stating, "Over my dead body" to Chow's proposal.
Sanusi reportedly viewed it as an attempt to interfere in Kedah's affairs and asserted that he would never allow the proposal to proceed under his administration.