Kedah’s plan for storage ‘tanks’ will hit Penang manufacturing, say groups

[superadmin]

PETALING JAYA: Penang’s manufacturing industry will be badly hit if the Kedah government’s plan to store water in the state picks up steam, industrialists said.

They said ample supply of water is crucial for the manufacturing sector, which is the backbone of the state’s economy.

They were commenting on the plan to build 14 water storage areas along Sungai Muda to ensure sufficient water for Kedahans and padi farmers along the river, a move which could potentially reduce water supply to Penang and its 1.7 million residents.

About 80% of Penang’s water is extracted from the part of Sungai Muda that flows in the state, and SME Association of Malaysia president Michael Kang said any measure to stem this supply will “definitely affect” the manufacturing sector, which contributes about 43% to the state’s GDP.

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