SUNGAI PETANI: More effort will be put in place to spur Kedah’s development and economic growth this year, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (pic).

       He said various plans had been drawn up, including high-impact development projects that could help boost the state’s economy.

       "Apart from developing the agricultural sector for food security, we will also implement several high-impact projects that will provide economic spillover effects to the state.

       "I am confident that with the commitment of the state government as well as Federal government agencies and the people’s support, Kedah can become an economic powerhouse," he told a press conference after attending the Kayuhan Santai Keluarga Malaysia programme, here, on Saturday (Jan 1).

       In another development, Muhammad Sanusi said the state government was always prepared to face floods following the weather warning issued by the Malaysian Meteorological Department recently.

       He said although rivers in the state were not equipped with a disaster warning system like in Japan, relevant parties had been told to closely monitor the water level.

       Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi said the state government had appointed a team of lawyers to handle the raw water charge claim issue against Penang for drawing water from Sungai Muda which originates from Kedah.

       Kedah had demanded RM50mil in annual payment for raw water supplied to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).

       However, Penang was consistent with its stand to not pay a single sen to Kedah saying that the raw water was abstracted from Sungai Muda in its territory. - Bernama