Geopolitics Quarterly

Geopolitics Quarterly

The Water War between Kedah- Penang in Malaysia: The Relation in the Management of Sungai Muda Raw Water, 1965–1985

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohd Firdaus Abdullah 1
Arba'iyah Mohd Noor 2
Tan Chee Seng 3
Wan Khairuddin Wan Ibrahim 4
1 Centre for Research in History, Politics & International Affairs (SPHEA), Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia.
2 Department of History, Faculty of the Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia
3 History Section, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia.
4 Independent researcher, Lot 830 A, Kampung Cherang Hangus, Bekelam, 16070 Bachok, Kelantan.
10.22034/igq.2024.180173
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree to which the mentality and behaviour of the Kedah and Penang state administrations from 1965 to 1985 were impacted by the drawing of raw water from Sungai Muda, as a significant strategic factor. This article's goal is to explore the interactions between the two governments over raw water that they acquire from Sungai Muda. Additionally, it will assess the effects of Kedah's decision to permit Penang to use Sungai Muda's raw water. Based on previous studies, it was found that despite the issue's relevance and obvious connection to the current water supply dispute between the two states, researchers did not pay much attention to the management of raw water obtained from Sungai Muda by Kedah and Penang.  Since it addresses issues that will still come up between the two states in light of the present water supply crisis, this study is relevant and important. The study used a qualitative methodology in addition to primary materials such as contract documents, archival records, and secondary sources such as books and articles. From the findings, it was observed that the use of raw water sources from Sungai Muda involves close engagement between the states of Kedah and Penang from 1965 to 1985. During this time, the state governments of Penang and Kedah played a crucial role in empowering the water supply sector in their respective states. The historical experience of Malaysia's water supply policy's consolidation in the twenty-first century adds a new dimension to the conversation about water issues in the country.
Keywords
Kedah
Penang
Water Management
Sungai Muda
Water Development
Subjects
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Geopolitics Quarterly
Volume 20, Issue 2
Spring 2024
Pages 151-170

  • Receive Date 03 December 2022
  • Revise Date 18 June 2023
  • Accept Date 25 September 2023