All projects in protected areas such as mangrove swamps and water catchment areas will be stopped with immediate effect in Kedah.

Acting Menteri Besar Datuk Mahdzir Khalid said the directive was given to prevent damage to such areas.

"It was decided in the state exco meeting today that all projects passed by the district and town councils on government land and land belonging to its subsidiaries in the protected areas be stopped with immediate effect," he said at a press conference after chairing the meeting here.

Bernama also quoted him as saying the permits issued include those for building, housing and chalet construction.

About 200 hectares in the Sungai Petani and Merbok areas had been passed for such projects but these had not been started. However, no project had been passed in water catchment areas.

The state government would assist the developers to find new sites for their projects, he said, adding that stern action will be taken against those who go against the directive.