The Selangor state government's decision to stop two irrigation projects aimed at channeling water to padi fields in Tanjung Karang, can hamper the Integrated Agriculture Development Area (IADA) project, said Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Noh  Omar.

NONEOne of the projects stopped was the RM5.45 million feeder canal project in Tanjung Karang, aimed at increasing the quality and supply of water as well as improve the eco-system in Simpan Raja Musa, Noh (left) said in a statement today.

Another project stopped was that to build a retention pond under the Tanjung Karang drainage system at a cost of RM25.75 million in Sungai Karang.

The project was aimed at increasing water storage to cater for the dry season or whenever there was a water shortage, he said.

"Paddy growing areas involved in the project are Panchang Bedana and part of Bagan Terap. Both projects were under IADA, Selangor," he said.

He added that not only the two projects were stopped, 10 excavators used to carry out work in the areas were also seized for illegally encroaching the forest area.

NONEIADA which is under the Ministry of Agriculture had initially contacted the State Wildlife Department for permission to enter the forest but since there was no response, IADA went ahead with the project, he said.

"I hope the state Wildlife Department and the state government will realise the importance of the two projects and speed up the approval process," said Noh who also urged the state government to return the excavators without any conditions.

The state government had on Aug 18, imposed a compound of RM150,000 for the return of the excavators and compensation of RM650,000 from the ministry.

Noh said the state government would issue a permit to IADA to carry out the project with a payment of RM800 per hectare a year and a deposit of RM500,000 to ensure no damage to the forest.

- Bernama