The DAP secretary-general said the two were working together to “extort” money from Penang by proceeding with a Kedah state government project to reduce water supply to Penang with the building of large water tanks along Sungai Muda.

Lim said it was “reckless and irresponsible” of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration and PAS to go against Penang’s right to draw water from Sungai Muda just for their political benefit.

“For the past 64 years, no federal government has conspired with a state government to threaten the population of another state by sabotaging their water supply.

“This is divisive and would unnecessarily stoke resentment and inflame sentiments.”

He also said the Penang government and DAP would continue to defend the state’s right to clean water, adding that they are ready to take both the Kedah and federal governments to court over the matter.

Last Wednesday, Kedah revealed plans to build 14 water tanks along Sungai Muda, together with barrages that would slow down water flow at the end of the river that empties into Penang waters. Penang depends on the river to satisfy 80% of its water needs.

Sanusi, in announcing the project, told Penang that it should “be ready” for the likelihood of drawing just sludge or mud from its end of Sungai Muda if it refuses to compensate Kedah for water drawn from the river.

He added that the water tanks were needed to conserve water for padi irrigation and allow enough supply of water for Kedahans during the dry season.

On Friday, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), which falls under the purview of the environment and water ministry, expressed its support for the Kedah government’s plans, saying it was a good idea as it would conserve excess water from rainfall to be used during drier periods.

SPAN chief executive officer Ahmad Faizal Abdul Rahman said Kedah’s plan was essentially a “downstream storage” plan, where it will capture a large volume of water in tanks during the wet season.