This is a comedown from Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s harder stance when he threatened, although in jest, to divert the river and cut off supply to Penang.

Calling the Kedah government’s decision not to conduct any rare earth element (REE) mining at water catchment areas in the state a “big sacrifice”, Tuan Ibrahim suggested Penang compensate them for it.

He said this in response to a question from Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Tanjong) in the Dewan Rakyat today on the ministry’s measures to preserve and prevent any pollution in the water catchment areas in the Ulu Muda forest reserve.

“Following the Kedah government’s big sacrifice, it would be good if Penang can financially contribute to Kedah.

“Due to their sacrifice in not mining at water catchment areas, it ensures that states has water supply,” the PAS deputy president said.

Tuan Ibrahim acknowledged that Ulu Muda was a crucial water catchment area for both Kedah and Penang, adding that Sanusi had already given his assurance that no water catchment areas will be affected by REE mining.

He said his ministry welcomed Kedah’s commitment to protecting water catchments, expressing his hope that the state and Penang would be able to reach a win-win solution over the two states’ water spat.

Chow, who is also the Penang chief minister, said he will be holding to the guarantee made by Sanusi to ensure that the raw water supply for 4.2 million citizens in Kedah, Perlis and Penang can be maintained.