Approval necessary for construction on Kedah land with archaeological remnants

The Kedah government is to notify all land owners to obtain its approval and that of the National Heritage Department before undertaking any construction if they find on their property structures that can be regarded as archaeological remnants.

Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir said the directive would be issued to avert a recurrence of the incident where the ruins of an ancient temple were destroyed last Monday in Sungai Batu in the archaeologically rich Bujang Valley.

"I have informed the state secretary. It will take some time because we have to identify the land owners to send this circular," he told reporters after launching a flood relief aid for Kuantan by the Kedah Umno Liaison Committee, here.

Kedah Umno sent RM60,000 worth of aid in the form of toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, napkins and sanitary pads to the Umno office in Kuantan for distribution to about 5,000 flood victims.

Mukhriz said the reconstruction of the destroyed ruins of the 8th century temple would not pose a problem because the temple had been reconstructed in 1974 and the individual, known as Haji Jalil, who did so was living in Melaka.

"We have the plan and know what type of construction material is necessary, such as river stones, laterite and bricks," he said.

Mukriz, who is the Kedah Umno Liaison Committee chairman, said Kedah Umno was also prepared to send aid to all flood-hit states according to their needs.

"Much work will have to be done after the floodwaters recede. We will help in stages, such as for cleaning of houses, repairing damaged property and so on," he said.