ALOR SETAR: The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) has activated the Muda Area Flood Preparedness Plan to deal with the La Nina weather phenomenon expected at the end of this year.
Its chairman Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman said Mada will manage excess rainfall in accordance with standard operating procedures in the interest of the public and rice farming in the area.
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"Forecasts show that from September to February, Perlis will see average rainfall of between 200mm and 300mm while Kedah will get 290mm to 440mm.
"Based on this, the Muda area is likely to receive heavy rainfall in the dam catchment area, river catchment area and padi growing areas which will cause water levels and river flow to increase,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Oct 2).
He said Mada will ensure irrigation and drainage infrastructure functions well to cope with the load, and that related assets such as boats, pumps and other equipment are in good condition.
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"Mada is in a state of readiness in the event of floods as forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the Irrigation and Drainage Department.
He said any floodwater will be drained through the main infrastructure systems of Arau, Lanabulu, Alor Changileh, Pelubang and Ampang Jajar.
Ahmad Tarmizi said with these preparations in place, it is hoped that damage to property and farmland and inconvenience to farmers can be minimised if flooding occurs in the Muda area.
"Farmers in the Mada area are encouraged to contact the nearest Area Farmers' Organisation if they have any questions or complaints," he added. – Bernama
