Environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said he was confident the state government would deal with the matter and monitor all projects in Kedah as best as possible.
“The state government will make a decision based on the extent of the threat and danger of the reservoirs to residents in the area. So, we’ll leave it to the state government to decide,” he told reporters here today.
Tuan Ibrahim was asked about a suggestion to drain the three reservoirs, which have become a concern for the residents.
The reservoirs were said to have caused mud floods and debris flows in Kampung Iboi, Baling, on July 4.
Tuan Ibrahim had said that the drainage and irrigation department had earlier been asked to drain the three reservoirs, each the size of a futsal court, as soon as possible for fear of flooding.
On July 4, mud floods and debris flows affected more than 800 residents from 42 villages around Kupang and claimed three lives in Kampung Iboi.
Commenting on the project to build two sabo dams (also called check dams or debris dams) at the foot of Gunung Inas, Tuan Ibrahim said the ministry was in the process of appointing contractors.
The dams are expected to be fully completed this year.
“In Kedah, a total of seven sabo dams will be built, two in Yan, two in Baling and three more in new areas. So far, one has been completed in Yan while in Baling the allocation is already there but the contractor has yet to be appointed.
“When ready, we hope these sabo dams can reduce the impact by slowing down the flow of water and blocking the flow of debris in the event of a flood due to heavy rain,” he said.
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