A crisis can bring out the best in people, but sometimes it brings out their worst.
The water crisis in Kedah has shown us that humility is not taught at the University of Umno, the imaginary institution that Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah said he graduated from. Apparently, what he learned there was arrogance.
Recently, he practically told the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) to shut up when it called for a ban on logging in the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve. “We’re the state government,” he said. “We know how to do our job. No need to teach us what to do.”
CAP’s call followed a similar urging from the Penang Water Supply Authority (PBAPP).
PBAPP Chief Executive Jaseni Maidinsa, directing his call at the Home Minister, pointed out that the Ulu Muda Reserve was the primary water catchment area for Sungei Muda. He also advised the Kedah government to seek funds from Putrajaya to protect the reserve.
Jaseni cited a variety of measures which would reduce the risk to the environment and protect the livelihood and quality of life of the two million people who live in southern Kedah and Penang. He warned that immediate action was necessary to protect the area. He said laws should be enacted to enforce these measures.
Jaseni’s concern was prompted by a report in The Star, which claimed that thousands of valuable logs like meranti, cengal and merbau were stored in five logging depots and were awaiting transportation to processing plants.
Jaseni warned of pollution of raw water and its consequences on water supply. The general public, padi farmers and manufacturing companies would all suffer, he said. He pointed out that Penang sourced around one billion litres of water, or at least 80% of its water needs, from Sungei Muda every day.
What a shame it is that Ahmad Bashah, in his arrogance, is so dismissive of the people’s needs.
Something similar has happened in Terengganu. Environmental activists reported on the detrimental effects of rampant tourism on the coral reefs of Redang, but their warning fell on deaf ears until tourists complained about dead coral and the destruction of the charm and beauty of the islands. How many more environmental disasters can Malaysia cope with?
Our state governments like to think they know best and refuse to listen to experts. When the droughts hit and communities, farmers and businesses complain, Ahmad Bashah will regret saying that he knows what is best for his state.
Mariam Mokhtar is an FMT columnist.
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