SIK: The current overflow at the Muda Dam does not currently warrant an emergency response or declaration, as it has yet to reach a critical stage.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the overflow is a natural occurrence due to the dam's water storage in the dam exceeding 100 per cent capacity.
The Jeneri assemblyman also refuted claims that the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada), the authority managing the dam, had deliberately released water.
"I've just been briefed by the engineer responsible for the dam's safety. The current water level is 334ft (101.8m).
"There is no need for any emergency measures, and the allegation that Mada has released water is untrue.
"The overflow is a natural result of the dam's storage being full.
"The current overflow level is four feet above the spillway crest.
"The water level is showing a downward trend, from 337 feet previously to 334 feet now.
"Insya-Allah (God willing), the level will continue to decrease, and there is no need to declare an emergency or take any action," he said in a video uploaded on his social media accounts after inspecting the Muda Dam yesterday.
If the water reserve in Muda Dam exceeds the maximum level by 10 feet (3 metres), Mada will inform the District Officer to take appropriate measures, he said.
He added that any actions taken would be in accordance with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) guidelines (Nadma Directive No. 1) and follow-up measures outlined by Mada.
"I advise the public who come to take pictures and videos not to create unnecessary panic.
"The alleged water release is not happening, and there's no need for excessive reporting or commentary.
"Mada will conduct 24-hour monitoring, and there's no need for excessive speculation. Let's wait for further updates from the district safety chairman and Mada," he said.
Yesterday, state Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply, and Environmental Committee chairman Mohamad Yusoff Zakaria dismissed claims that the floods were not caused by water released from dams in the state.
He said the floods were the result of continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days, which caused excess water from the dams to naturally overflow into the rivers.