Ministry cautions over approving projects that do not meet criteria

CHANGLUN (Kedah): Agencies under the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry have been directed against issuing Certificates of Firness (CF) to projects that do not meet the required criteria.

Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Wira Mohd Johari Baharom said these projects brought problems for the people. Citing an example, he said a local authority should consider the views of agencies such as the Drainage and Irrigation Department before issuing the CF for a completed housing project.

"I want all projects to place importance on the drainage system because poor drainage can cause of floods," he said during a visit to Kampung Changhai on Tuesday May 25.

More than 200 houses of the villagers there faced the threat of floods every time it rained due to development, especially housing projects, implemented nearby over the last eight years.

Mohd Johari, who is the Member of Parliament for Kubang Pasu, said the problem was compounded by improper drainage.
 
"Some 70 hectares of padi in the village were also often submerged during the rainy season, and the government was forced to pay compensation to the farmers, he said.

He said the ministry had approved RM4 million for the Drainage and Irrigation Department to acquire 3.8 hectares to build a proper drainage system which would raise padi production unaffected by floods during the rainy season.
-Bernama