
Cloud seeding to tackle dry padi fields in Perak
Mohamad stated that while cloud seeding has been attempted before, water reservoirs remain a critical issue. 'We are working on the cloud seeding. We've done it before as well, but we'll have to wait and see...however, water reservoirs remain a critical concern,' he said during a press conference at the Felcra Berhad Padi Seed Centre.
To further address water shortages, a water transfer project from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah Dam is set to begin in August. This initiative aims to boost water supply for agricultural use in the Kerian region.
Separately, Mohamad mentioned that rice supply quotas for manufacturers will be adjusted based on production capacity. 'The quota is based on capacity. If a Bumiputera-owned factory has the capacity, we will do our best to assist,' he explained.
The Perak state government recently sought an increased rice supply quota for manufacturers, particularly Bumiputera-owned firms, to ensure stable food production. State committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun emphasised the need for collaboration between large and small manufacturers to maintain supply chain resilience. - Bernama

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MK3D carnival draws 2.1 million visitors, hits RM6.9mil in sales
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 Mega 3D Carnival (MK3D), held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) since last Wednesday, has not only achieved its main objective but also gained recognition with seven entries in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR). Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) deputy director-general (Community Development) Datuk Mohd Banuri Aris said the carnival, which brought together over 1,000 rural entrepreneurs, had successfully attracted 2.1 million visitors from Wednesday until 5pm today, surpassing the initial target of two million. He said MK3D, organised through a strategic collaboration between Felda, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW), and the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry (Kuskop), also surpassed its RM6 million cash sales target, recording RM6.9 million in transactions over five days. "We are also targeting around RM209 million in business matching. As of 5 pm today, we have achieved around RM200 million, and we are confident the amount will continue to rise before the final count tonight. "This indicates the targets set by the three-dimensional teams have been achieved, making this carnival a fresh milestone in our planning to ensure the sustainability of Bumiputera entrepreneurs under KKDW, the One District One Industry (SDSI) Showcase, and Felda," he told a press conference here today. Mohd Banuri said the collaboration between the three agencies had positively contributed to the growth of the entrepreneurial and green economy in planned and rural areas, adding that MK3D had the potential to achieve even greater success if held again in the future. "Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday proposed that the programme be held again to provide more opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to participate. "Insya-Allah, it may be organised in conjunction with the 70th Felda Settlers' Day celebration in early July next year. "MK3D adds value to programmes that were previously organised separately, while also serving as a platform for entrepreneurs to take a new step towards wider, global advancement," he said. The carnival also saw 57 people come together this afternoon in a jaw-dropping feat to pull a 13-tonne bus over 20 metres, earning an MBOR recognition for the Most Participants in a Bus Pulling Challenge. The record was among six MBOR achievements by Felda in conjunction with MK3D, which also included the first synchronised orchestral performance involving 735 musicians and the largest-ever carom competition with over 1,400 players.


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
King's historic state visit to Russia underscores deepening bilateral ties, says Ambassador
MOSCOW: The state visit by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, to Russia from Aug 5-10 has been described as the highlight of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, said Malaysia's Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. He said the visit is the highest-level ever made and the first by a Malaysian head of state to Russia since diplomatic relations were established in April 1967. "His Majesty's state visit, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, is a recognition of the five decades of diplomatic ties with Malaysia, which was among the earliest Asean countries to establish ties with the then Soviet Union. "This visit also reflects the crucial role of the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in the context of international relations,' he told Bernama here on Sunday (Aug 1) in conjunction with Sultan Ibrahim's state visit. Cheong said the visit will begin in Moscow, where His Majesty is scheduled to hold an official meeting with Putin at the Grand Kremlin Palace. Both leaders are expected to discuss potential cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, higher education, technology and innovation, people-to-people ties, digital transformation, agriculture and food security, as well as regional and international issues. "This highest-level visit will certainly have a high impact in increasing the momentum and positive trend of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Russia. "It sends the message that Malaysia is serious and committed to efforts to strengthen and improve bilateral relations with Russia in all fields, particularly strategic cooperation and people-to-people ties,' he said. Sultan Ibrahim is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on Tuesday (Aug 5) and will be accorded a state welcome ceremony at the Kremlin on Wednesday (Aug 6), before holding an official meeting with Putin and attending a state banquet hosted by the Russian President. His Majesty is also scheduled to receive an audience from the Russian Automotive Technology Development Company as well as the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Hub. On Friday (Aug 8), Sultan Ibrahim will travel to Kazan, the fifth largest city in Russia, to receive an audience from the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, at the Kazan Kremlin. Both parties are expected to discuss potential collaboration in the trade, investment, halal industry sectors and agricultural technology. His Majesty is also scheduled to attend a reception ceremony hosted by Minnikhanov and visit the Kazan Helicopter Plant to observe the manufacturing operations of civilian, defence and rescue helicopters. Russia is currently Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries and 28th globally, with bilateral trade valued at RM11.46bil (US$2.48bil) in 2024. For the period January to June 2025, Malaysia-Russia trade volume was recorded at RM4.13bil (US$945.7mil). — Bernama


Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
KTMB reaffirms commitment to Johor on ETS expansion
KTMB said it is working with the relevant contractors and authorities to ensure its ETS service from Segamat to Kluang will be ready as soon as possible, with trial runs currently under way. PETALING JAYA : Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) is committed to fully expanding its Electric Train Service (ETS) to Johor as soon as possible. However, the company said it will only be done in phases, after ensuring the safety and reliability of the service to the southern sector, Bernama reported. 'KTMB's primary responsibility is to ensure safety, reliability and readiness before opening any new segment to the public,' it said in a statement today. KTMB said it is working with the relevant contractors and authorities to ensure the next segment of its service, from Segamat to Kluang, will be ready as soon as possible, with trial runs currently under way. The three phases for the ETS extension in Johor are to Segamat, Kluang, and JB Sentral in Johor Bahru. The service currently runs from Padang Besar in Perlis to Segamat. 'The transport minister (Loke Siew Fook) had announced last March, when launching the service to Segamat, that the extension in the southern sector will be done in phases, depending on several critical technical milestones and regulatory approvals,' KTMB said. The company said it wanted to reassure the public of its commitment to delivering a safe, modern and transformative rail service for the southern corridor, following recent reports on the service being extended to Johor Bahru. KTMB said the ETS service to Segamat has been operating successfully since March this year, offering improved travel options and stimulating local economic activity. 'KTMB wishes to thank all passengers, local stakeholders and the public for their patience and continued support. We remain fully committed to making ETS travel to the south a success,' it said.