ALOR SETAR: Water levels of three dams managed by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) are at a limited level, with a total reservoir volume of 437,405 acre-feet, equivalent to 35.76%.
Mada said the Pedu Dam is at a level of 323,700 acre-feet (36.99%), the Muda Dam at 14,850 acre-feet (11.88%) and the Ahning Dam at 98,855 acre-feet (44.33%).
"Considering the limited water reservoir capacity, the irrigation status for this season's padi planting will depend entirely on the effectiveness of rainwater runoff.
"This situation is more challenging due to the Malaysian Meteorological Department's (MetMalaysia) projection, which indicates a 96% increase in the likelihood of the El Nino phenomenon by the end of 2026," it said in a statement on Thursday (Sept 17).
Mada said that the situation is expected to potentially develop into a stronger level and the hot, dry weather conditions and the risk of rainfall deficit are expected to pose significant challenges to water resource availability and padi planting activities in the Muda Area.
Mada also said that following the decision of its water supply and padi planting committee meeting on Monday, the padi planting schedule for season 2/2026 has been set for a total area of 99,489ha.
"The sowing dates for Phase I will begin on Sept 23 and end on Nov 4, followed by Phase II from Oct 3 to Nov 14, while Phase III is scheduled from Oct 13 to Nov 24.
"In facing the risks of the El Nino phenomenon and the high dependence on rainfall distribution, Mada urges farmers to wisely utilise and optimise existing water resources," it said.
Meanwhile, Mada supports the irrigation needs in the affected areas through the maximum operation of drainage water recycling pumps and mobile pumps in the field.
Mada also said that the padi planting activities for Season 1/2026 across the entire Mada area, which spans 100,641 ha, are now in the final flowering and harvesting phase.
"Until yesterday, which is the 24th week, the planting progress record showed that the pre-planting stage had reached 100%, land preparation 99% and the planting stage 98.4%, while the harvesting rate had reached 9.3%," it added. – Bernama
