In KEDAH, steps are being taken to change the technique of padi seed distribution to minimise the effects of a possible water crisis or drought on output.
Women Development, Social Welfare, Agriculture and Agro-Based, State Development and Entrepreneur Committee chairman Suraya Yaacob said the dry distribution technique was a better way when compared to the present which required a large amount of water from the planting to harvesting stage.
“This method does not require a lot of water in the padi fields. We are also planning to adjust the padi planting season if the drought persists,” she told Bernama in a recent interview here.
Suraya said the state government had made early preparations as it expected the amount of water stored in major dams this year to be at 63% and that could affect national padi production.
In SHAH ALAM, the Selangor government has also taken steps to face water shortage at the Sungai Selangor dam.
Selangor Infrastructure and Public Amenities, Modernisation of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Zaidy Abdul Talib said the water shortage — expected to persist until March — was worrying and could lead to water output from the Sungai Selangor dam stopped.
“The state government is now ready to face this problem with the help of various agencies like the Department of Irrigation and Drainage and Agriculture Department,” he said, adding the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) had begun cloud-seeding operations.
According to the LUAS website, the Sungai Selangor dam which supplies water to residents in the Klang Valley, Selangor and Putrajaya recorded a level of 60.77%, while that at Batu was 49.91%, Semenyih 87.62 and Langat 85.97%.
In PERAK, state public utilities, infrastructure, energy and water exco Zainol Fadzi Paharudin said the state government was conducting scheduled monitoring of the water supply and would make adjustments based on current needs.
He said based on reports, Perak was expected to receive frequent rainfall until March.
In MALACCA, Chief Minister Idris Haron said although the state was currently experiencing hot and dry weather, water supply at its three dams was at a comfortable level.
He said the state government, via related agencies such as Malacca Water Monitoring Body (BKSA) and Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad, constantly monitored water supply in the state.
He said so far, the hot weather had not affected agriculture and tourism but the state government had prepared an action plan to face a possible drought and water shortage, including carrying out cloud-seeding.
According to a BKSA report today, water level at the Durian Tunggal dam in Alor Gajah stands at 88%, while the Asahan dam in Jasin has full capacity. The Jus dam, also in Jasin, has 45.7% water.
In KOTA BHARU, Kelantan Drainage and Irrigation Department director Shahimi Sharif said due to the recent floods and current monsoon season, the state was not expected to face a water problem up till March.
He said the department was focused on ensuring adequate water supply to meet the needs of the agriculture sector in the state.
In PAHANG, State Secretary Muhammad Safian Ismail said the water level at all dams in the state was currently at a normal level and what was worrying was the possibility of floods due to frequent rainfall.
In PENANG, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Jaseni Maidinsa said although water level in the state was sufficient, the state was prepared for any eventuality, including drought.
In SEREMBAN, Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd director, Wan Rasdi Wan Ismail said water level in the state’s seven dams was stable for domestic use.
“In Negeri Sembilan, we use a lot of river water while water in the dams is just for storage. There is currently no problem and the water supply is sufficient.
“As Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan says, the water level in the Sungai Terip and Kelinchi dams which supply water to Seremban residents is still stable and not critical,” he said.
Besides these two dams, the five other dams in the state are at Talang, Pedas, Gemencheh, Ulu Sepri and Teriang.