ALOR SETAR: Despite the ongoing hot weather, the padi planting activities for Season 2/2025 remain under control.
Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) in a statement on Saturday (Dec 27) said to date, the progress of padi planting stands at 97.6% for land preparation, 94.7% for planting, and 0.1% at the flowering stage, in line with the season schedule.
"As of Dec 27, the water levels in the main dams in the Muda area remain at a comfortable and sufficient level to meet crop requirements, with Pedu Dam at 62.41%, Muda Dam at 90.08%, and Ahning Dam at 67.96%, bringing the total reservoir level to 66.25%," the statement said.
Mada said to ensure a sufficient water supply throughout this dry spell, Mads has taken precautionary measures, including maximising the use of recycled water pump stations and mobile pumps.
It said in addition, water distribution is being carried out on a rotational basis according to the crop growth phase in each region to optimise the use of dam water resources.
Mada said it is also paying attention to the increased risk of pest attacks, particularly rats, which commonly occur during hot and dry weather.
It said the dry environmental conditions may encourage the movement of rats into paddy fields, posing a threat to rice crops if not controlled in an integrated manner.
It said Mada has intensified the integrated pest management (IPM) campaign throughout the Muda area, involving the control of rats and other major pests through safe, registered, and effective methods, alongside advisory services for paddy farmers.
"Farmers in the Muda area are advised to remain alert to weather changes, manage the use of paddy field water prudently, and implement continuous rat control. Padi farmers are also encouraged to seek advice from Mada field officers if they detect early signs of pest attacks," it said.
Kedah and Perlis have now entered a phase of hot and dry weather following a significant decline in rainfall since mid-December 2025, and this condition is expected to persist until early next year.
Records from the Malaysian Meteorological Department state that the hot weather without rain has occurred for two consecutive weeks, starting Dec 18.
During this period, rainfall in the Muda area was only around 27mm compared to the 20-year average of 108mm, confirming the transition into a dry weather phase.
