A water catchment area is a large area of forest which traps rainwater and releases it into streams, rivers or lake. Dams and reservoirs are built across rivers to hold this water, as well as to control the flow to prevent flooding. Some examples of this dams include the Muda, Pedu and Ahning in the northern states of Kedah and Perlis. Logging and deforestation in catchmet areas will cause soil erosion, landslides and floods. Once tree are cut down, heavy rains will wash away the soil. This courses landslides. As the soil is washed down, it flows into rivers and settles on the river bed. This process is called sedimentation. It raises the river bed and the river becomes shallower. As a result, flooding occurs more frequently, especially during the rainy season.The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) opposes the idea of logging in the Muda forest. Theyb say tht logging will badly affect the water catchment areas which collect and supply water to Kedah, Penang and Perlis. We must look after catchment areas to ensure that we have a constant supply of clean water. Loggin
g will also destroy the natural habitats of Flora and Fauna. Furthermore, the natural beauty of this areas will attract eco-tourists. These tourists who are interested in the natural environment, will find these untouched forests a great attraction.
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