ALOR STAR: The water levels in three dams managed by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) remain at sufficient levels to meet both irrigation and domestic needs.
In a statement today, Mada said that the Pedu Dam's reservoir was at 61.73 per cent, the Ahning Dam at 85.80 per cent, and the Muda Dam at 33.14 per cent, with an overall total of 63.19 per cent.
Mada said, despite the reduced levels in the Muda Dam, residents should not worry as water from the dam is used to support the Pedu Dam for irrigation purposes.
"The release from the Pedu and Ahning dams is 3,000Q (cubic feet per second) for domestic use and to support the first padi planting season in 2024.
"As of May 30, padi planting has reached 15.4 per cent, covering an area of 15,548.3ha, and it is expected to reach 90 per cent by early June," it said.
Mada said it also anticipates the padi harvest will reach 90 per cent by mid-September.
Therefore, it said it will continue to monitor progress until the end of the first season this year.
"Mada would like to remind farmers to adhere to the planting schedule for the first season of 2024. The deadline for phase one is May 29.
"For phase two, the deadline is June 12, and for phase three, the deadline is June 26," it said.
Mada also advised farmers to follow the planting schedule to ensure high-quality yields and to avoid significant losses due to non-compliance.