PUTRAJAYA has yet to decide on compensating Pahang for the state’s forest conservation efforts.

Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail this week said Pahang plans to ask for RM17.1 billion in compensation for the state’s work to preserve one million hectares of forest and wildlife reserves, which are being used as water catchment areas.

Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar today said the matter has not been discussed at the federal level.

“We have not yet decided to compensate any state,” he said after Earth Day celebrations at Taman Tugu in Kuala Lumpur.

“Every state wants compensation. Whether we are able to give them the compensation is a different issue.”

He said all water catchment areas in the country must be preserved and gazetted, and that it is the responsibility of each state government to ensure there are buffer zones around the said areas to guard against development.

“Nobody should enter water catchment areas, and there must be proper buffer zones surrounding them.”

Last month, Penang Water Supply Corporation CEO Jaseni Maidin said Kedah, Penang and Perlis should be compensated for protecting the Ulu Muda water catchment area, which is surrounded by 163,103ha of rainforest.

Some 70% of Perlis’ raw water supply, Kedah (96%) and Penang (80%) originate from Ulu Muda, reported The Star. – April 20, 2019.