River water is drawn for irrigation of padi fields as well as for treatment for supply of potable water, with a large portion of Penang’s water supply needs being met from the Muda river.

However, Ahmad Bashah said the state government could not assiduously comply with Penang’s request but would prioritise Kedah’s needs.

“We will discuss first, but it is up to us to release or not. We will discuss first,” he told reporters after attending a meeting of Kedah village development and security committees here today.

Yesterday, Penang Water Supply Corporation chief executive officer Jaseni Maidinsa was reported to have said that Penang wanted a postponement of irrigation activities in Kedah to meet the water supply needs of both states while the drought persists.

– BERNAMA