ALOR SETAR: The main infrastructure development project under the five-season padi planting programme over two years in the Muda area has commenced ahead of its scheduled starting date of Aug 1.
Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh said the project’s progress is ahead of schedule, reflecting a strong commitment and seriousness in assisting farmers in the Muda area.
The development project comprises two main components – the construction and maintenance of 15 Tertiary Irrigation System Blocks (Project 1), and the Pedu Dam Phase 1 Comprehensive Rehabilitation Project (Project 2), with a total allocation of RM1bil, Bernama reported.
“These 15 blocks will supply water to 560ha of padi fields. According to the original timeline, the project was scheduled to begin on Aug 1, but the contractor began work earlier,” he said.
On Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited the major infrastructure development project under the five-season padi cultivation programme in the Muda area, located at Batu 7, Kampung Kemboja, Ayer Hitam, near Jitra.
He said the padi cultivation programme would bring comprehensive reforms to the country’s padi and rice industry ecosystem, helping to reduce reliance on imports and enhance national rice self-sufficiency.
Ismail added that the Prime Minister’s visit marked his second to the project site, aimed at reviewing the progress of agricultural infrastructure development in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen the national food supply and boost local rice production.
