PETALING JAYA: Agricultural commodities such as padi and oil palm would need an optimal monthly rainfall of 200-300mm and 150-200mm, to sustain growth, says the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
MetMalaysia said the rainfall distribution is generally lower during the south-west monsoon season and more intermittent compared to other monsoon periods.
As such, there is a higher likelihood of dry spells in certain areas, MetMalaysia said.
“As the south-west monsoon progresses, irrigation planning shifts towards efficient water resource management and drought mitigation, particularly in rain-fed agricultural areas,” it said in its Agroclimatic Analysis and Outlook for August.
“This phase emphasises the need to ensure adequate water supply for crops, optimise irrigation scheduling, and maintain soil moisture levels to support crop growth and sustain yields under relatively drier conditions,” it said.
Based on the rainfall outlook, it said Perak, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Kuala Terengganu, Rompin and Raub (Pahang), Kudat and Interior Division (Sabah), as well as the Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman and Betong divisions (Sarawak), are expected to receive less than 150mm of rainfall during August 2026.
“These rainfall amounts may be insufficient to support optimal growing conditions for padi and oil palm cultivation, particularly in areas with limited irrigation facilities.
“In contrast, most other regions are forecast to receive rainfall amounts that generally meet the minimum water requirements for these crops,” it added.
It said strategic irrigation planning and effective water management will be important to sustain crop growth and agricultural productivity during this period.
Meanwhile, a 29-ha grassland area along Jalan Bypass Punggai-Sebana Cove in Kota Tinggi, Johor caught fire yesterday morning.
The Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre said it received an emergency call regarding the incident at 11.25am.
Following the call, two Fire Rescue teams with 12 personnel from the Sebana Cove and Pungai Fire and Rescue Stations were dispatched to the scene, Bernama reported.
“Upon arrival, the operation team found that a fire had indeed occurred and immediately took action to put it out. However, no casualties were reported,” it said.
Firefighting operations are still ongoing.
