KOTA BARU: A total of 12,500 hectares of padi fields under the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (Kada) and scheduled for harvesting in November and December are at risk of flooding during the Northeast Monsoon.
Kada chairman Khalid Abdul Samad said 56% of the 25,000 hectares of padi cultivation areas under the agency's purview had been harvested for the first season of 2026 as of Sunday (Oct 25).
He said Kada implemented five monsoon preparedness measures, including maintaining drainage systems, coordinating water gate operations, operating seven active drainage pumps, scheduling the second padi planting season, and relocating assets to safer areas.
"The remaining 44% includes 11,000 hectares scheduled for harvesting next month and another 1,500 hectares in December, mainly in the Tumpat area. These areas could be affected if flooding occurs during the period," he said.
He told reporters this after the launch of the 2026 Integrity Day celebration and the Kada Corruption-Free Pledge ceremony here on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Khalid said Kada considered the average deduction rate of about 23% for moisture and impurities during the first 2026 harvest season to be reasonable, adding that no complaints had been received from farmers so far.
He said that as of last Sunday, the average deduction rates varied among Area Farmers' Organisations (PPK), with PPK Jaya Peringat recording 23%, followed by PPK Sri Gunong at 23.5% and PPK Tanjong Puri at 24.5%.
He said Kada would monitor the padi grading process and investigate any complaints about deductions deemed excessive or unreasonable.
Padi farmers were also advised to follow the established planting schedule to avoid harvesting during the monsoon season, which could affect padi quality and result in higher deduction rates.
Khalid explained that grading was based on the quality of padi delivered to mills, including the presence of foreign matter, empty grains, damaged or immature grains, and excessive moisture content. - Bernama
