The Kelantan government should regulate logging activities to avoid depletion of water sources for villages at the foot of the hills in the Jeli district.

International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said the clearing of forest for logging had affected villagers, who had complained that freshwater from the hills had dissipated and dropped in quality.

"The situation is being felt in Jeli and we are worried that it might affect the people's health as the water is becoming murky and decreasing in volume," he told reporters after presenting cash crop seedlings at Kampung Bendang Keladi today.

Mustapa, who is also MP for Jeli, said he was sad that Syarikat Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) had failed to supply clean water to the villagers, who had to rely entirely on hill water.

"AKSB's failure reflects the state government's inability to provide basic amenities to the people despite ruling the state for 20 years," he said.

- Bernama