Water shortage looms as levels continue to drop at Muda, Pedu and Ahning dams
ALOR SETAR: With water reserves in Kedah’s dams running dangerously low and no relief from the ongoing dry spell in sight, the state is now bracing for a water shortage.
Muda Dam, a crucial balancing reservoir, has stopped releasing water after its levels plunged nearly 90%, Kedah Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Mohamad Yusoff Zakaria said.
Only Pedu Dam, at 42.25% capacity, and Ahning Dam, at 56.08%, are still discharging water, though neither recorded any overflow on Friday.
Muda Dam channels water to Pedu Dam via the Saiong Tunnel, with Pedu serving as the main lifeline for padi irrigation as well as domestic and industrial supply, while Ahning Dam provides essential water for households and businesses.
According to the National Water Services Commission, three of Kedah’s six dams were below normal levels on Saturday.
Muda Dam, now at a warning stage, held just 10.95% of its capacity, down from 37.54% on Feb 7 and 79.44% on Jan 5. Around this time last year, it stood at 59.12%.
At Tasik Beris, the drought has left its mark, exposing submerged structures, islands, and stretches of barren shoreline.
For boatman Andysak Somchit, 23, who ferries tourists and anglers on the lake, the situation this year is worse than in previous dry spells.
“Although boats can still go out, the water has dropped by about 3m,” he said.
“Tree stumps and stretches of barren land that were underwater before are now exposed.
“Fish are declining because they’re losing breeding grounds and hiding spots. Some areas are so shallow we have to navigate carefully to avoid stumps and rocks.”
Andysak added that light showers over the past two months have done little to restore the lake.
“Fewer visitors are coming for fishing or boat rides, so our income is affected. We hope for consistent rainfall soon to revive the water level and the fish population,” he said.
The dry spell is not confined to Kedah. In neighbouring Perlis, Timah Tasoh, the state’s only dam, dropped to 44.09% on Saturday, down from 63.6% on Feb 7 and 91.28% on Jan 7.
Meanwhile, in Penang, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has activated the Sungai Muda Contingency Plan 2026 after a critical drop in water levels at key dams in Kedah that supply Penang’s main raw water source.
PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the plan is a proactive measure to ensure sufficient water supply for Penang, as these dams feed Sungai Muda during dry periods.
Last year, the corporation abstracted about 1,000 million litres per day from Sungai Muda, supplying 85.5% of Penang’s treated water.
Despite the drought in Kedah, Penang’s own dams remain at normal levels, with Mengkuang at 91.5%, Air Itam at 80.5%, and Teluk Bahang at 90.1% as of yesterday.
