ALOR STAR: The proposed RM1 billion Naok Dam will help increase Kedah's supply of raw water and usage for the state's over 34,000 hectares of paddy fields.
The new dam, located in Pendang, will also function as a reservoir to store raw water transferred from the Beris Dam in Sik.
State Women, Development, Agriculture and Agro-based Committee chairman Datuk Suraya Yaacob (BN-Sungai Tiang) said both dams will be connected by a 25km-long canal.
She said the dam project aimed at making full use of the raw water from Beris Dam which is currently being channeled to south of Kedah and Seberang Perai mainland in Penang through Sungai Muda.
She said the project will also channel water from the Beris Dam to the southern part of Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) area.
“The project will benefit 34,000 hectares of Mada area and also some 1,700 hectares of paddy land outside Mada's jurisdiction," she said.
Suraya said the project has received the Federal government's approval while the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has already been carried out by a consultant.
“We have received recommendations from the consultant on how to handle the environmental impact from the project. The tender for it has also been opened,” she said in response to a question from Mahadzir Abdul Hamid (BN-Jeneri) during the state legislative assembly sitting today.
Suraya, who is also the state Entrepreneur Development and Community Welfare Committee chairman, said the project would affect some 550 people, including 150 in Jeneri.
To a supplementary question from Mahadzir on possible relocation, she said villagers affected by the project would only be compensated for the land to be acquired for the project.
On a supplementary question from Datuk Ahmad Lebai Sudin (BN-Bukit Lada) who asked if the project came about due to good relationship between the state and federal government, Suraya said the project has been approved as would benefit both parties.
She pointed out that apart from helping the state government improve its economy, the project was also vital for the nation's food security.
Meanwhile, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, in a Press conference after the state assembly sitting said the decision not to include relocation as part of the package was meant to save the government money in implementing the project.
Bashah said Naok Dam project was different from the Beris Dam where over 500 families were relocated to a new settlement.
"We have discussed the matter with the relevant department and assured that there is no plan to relocate the villagers.
"Those affected will be compensated for their land, house and plants but there is no relocation plan." he said.