Latest news with #MohammadNizar
New Straits Times
05-08-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Cloud seeding fails to lift dam levels, Kerian Irrigation still halted
IPOH: Irrigation supply to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme remains suspended as Bukit Merah Dam water levels stay at the cut-off point, despite heavy rainfall from a recent cloud seeding operation. State Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) for irrigation from the dam's lake remains in effect, which sets the cut-off level at 20 feet (6.09 metres). "As of 8am today, the water level at the dam recorded an increase from 19.80 feet to 20.00 feet, and the dam's storage capacity also rose from 6.65 million cubic metres (12.2 per cent) to 7.25 million cubic metres (13.31 per cent)," Mohammad Nizar said in a statement today. "However, the dam's current status remains at the Irrigation Supply Cut-off Level as set in the existing SOP. "The increase in dam storage capacity helps somewhat to extend the availability of water for domestic use, but the supply for irrigation to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme still cannot be resumed," he added. The cloud-seeding operation, which was conducted around 12pm yesterday, led to effective rainfall in several catchment areas of the Bukit Merah Dam, with a noticeable increase in inflow at the Pondok Tanjung Station. The dam is located in Bagan Serai. The operation was led by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Royal Malaysian Air Force, and other relevant agencies. Mohammad Nizar said the dam's catchment area has reached the irrigation cut-off level of 20.00 feet since July 22, and based on the dam's operational SOP, the water supply to paddy fields has been temporarily halted to prioritise raw water supply. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who joined the aerial operation alongside senior officials from Nadma and MetMalaysia, said the operation was triggered by severe water shortages affecting surrounding communities and agricultural zones.
The Star
05-08-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Water levels at Bukit Merah Dam rise slightly after cloud seeding
IPOH: The recent cloud seeding operation conducted over Bukit Merah Dam has led to a slight improvement in water levels, but irrigation supply to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme remains suspended due to ongoing drought conditions. Perak water committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the operation was carried out on Aug 4 following prolonged dry weather brought on by the Southwest Monsoon, which has severely affected catchment areas in Bagan Serai. 'Bukit Merah Dam had reached its irrigation supply cut-off level of 6.096m (20feet) on July 22 due to the lack of rainfall. 'According to standard operating procedures, irrigation supply was halted to prioritise raw water needs,' he said in a statement Tuesday (Aug 5). Mohammad Nizar said the cloud seeding exercise was led by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), with support from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), and other related agencies. He said Deputy Prime Minister and National Disaster Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was present to observe the operation via an aerial monitoring flight over the dam. 'According to the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), the operation brought effective rainfall to several catchment areas between 12pm and 2pm, with increased water inflow recorded at the Pondok Tanjung Station from 3pm onwards. 'As of 8am on Aug 5, the water level at the dam rose from 6.035m to 6.096m. Its storage capacity also increased from 12.2% to 13.31%,' he said. He added that despite the improvement, the dam's status remains at the irrigation cut-off level. 'DID said the increased storage would help extend domestic water supply, but irrigation to padi fields under the Kerian scheme could not yet be resumed. 'The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure water supply remains at a safe and sustainable level,' he added.
Malay Mail
21-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
After deadly bus crash, Perak MB urges federal support for East-West Highway and Gerik Hospital upgrades in 13MP
IPOH, June 21 — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has expressed hope that the proposal to upgrade the East-West Highway (JRTB) linking Gerik and Jeli will be included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Saarani said the state government had conveyed its intention to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to Lumut last week. 'What's most important is to reassess the alignment and widening of the JRTB. The upgrade involves more than just resurfacing; it requires a full reconstruction, as the existing structure is so old that some of the damage has exposed the road base. 'This highway has been in use for over 40 years, and simply patching up damaged sections may no longer be sufficient. However, the state government fully understands that constructing a new alignment or rebuilding the JRTB would require substantial funding,' he said at a press conference after officiating the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Training Week at the Ipoh Convention Centre here today. Saarani said the state government has also instructed the State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport chairman, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, and Human Resources, Health, Indian Community Affairs and National Integration chairman A. Sivanesan, to prepare a report and study on upgrading the JRTB and Gerik Hospital. 'Mohammad Nizar will obtain information and data from the Works Ministry regarding the upgrade of the JRTB, while Sivanesan is working on applying to the Health Ministry for the upgrading of Gerik Hospital, as there is an urgent need in the event of accidents. Typically, victims are taken to Hospital Taiping or the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital. 'If upgraded, it would be sufficient for patients or victims to be treated at Gerik Hospital, provided it is equipped with the necessary facilities and expertise. Once the study is completed, we will submit a letter to the relevant ministry,' he added. In the early hours of June 9, a tragic accident along the JRTB near Tasik Banding, Gerik, claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Perguruan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students when the chartered bus transporting them from Jertih, Terengganu, to the main campus in Tanjong Malim, Perak, was involved in a crash. The crash also left 33 others injured, including the bus driver and his assistant, as well as the driver and three passengers of a multi-purpose vehicle. — Bernama
Barnama
29-04-2025
- General
- Barnama
New Bailey Bridge At Sungai Liat Opens Today
TANJONG MALIM, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Bailey Bridge, which was built to temporarily replace the Sungai Liat Bridge in Felda Sungai Klah which collapsed on April 20 and leaving hundreds stranded, was opened for traffic at 6 pm today. State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the 42.6-metre long single-lane Bailey bridge was opened in one direction to all vehicles with a permitted load limit of not more than 20 tonnes. He said the installation work for the Bailey bridge was carried out on April 23 and was completed in quick time last Sunday (April 27). "Construction work of the temporary (Bailey Bridge), which is a crucial route linking Felda Sungai Klah and Felda Residence Hotspring as well as Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Tisong, has been fully completed. "Hence, motorists and other road users can use the (new bridge) route but should heed instructions and signage when passing through," he said when flagging off traffic at the opening ceremony of the Bailey Bridge at Sungai Liat which was opened to the public from today. The collapse of the Sungai Liat Bridge (culvert failure due to current surge and debris) had cut off access and exit routes connecting Felda Residence Hotspring, Kampung Tisong (which has 500 orang asli) and Buyong Mas Sanctuary Campsite, which left 136 people, including 81 students from a polytechnic in the three areas involved, stranded. On a separate matter, Mohammad Nizar said the Perak Public Works Department (JKR) has managed to distribute 137 maintenance projects involving a total cost of RM15.285 million, mainly maintenance work involved roads, street lights and traffic lights. "We implemented an online draw lot system to (tender) all 137 projects from the state allocation involving 104 civil works and 33 electrical works. "We hope all 137 contractors who have been appointed will be able to complete the work according to the specifications, cost and time period set," he said.
The Star
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Upgrade for Changkat Jering toll
The Changkat Jering toll plaza (top left) is used by motorists driving on the new WCE to get on the PLUS expressway. — Filepic HIGHWAY authorities have addressed the critical traffic congestion at the Changkat Jering toll plaza of the North-South Expressway (PLUS). Perak infrastructure, energy, water and public transportation committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) had engaged with the concessionaires of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) and PLUS. Mohammad Nizar said traffic congestion occured at the toll especially during school holidays and festive seasons. 'Among the steps taken are having additional lanes at the toll plaza heading to PLUS from the WCE to reduce the traffic overflow. 'There is also introduction of hybrid lanes (RFID and Touch 'n Go) at the Changkat Jering toll plaza,' he said in reply to Rahim Ismail (PN-Changkat Jering) during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh. Rahim had asked on the action plan by the Public Works Department, or WCE regarding the traffic congestion frequently occurring at the toll plaza during school holidays and festive seasons. To his question on steps taken to avoid accidents happening at the narrow exit to Changkat Jering town, Mohammad Nizar said engagement sessions with the Taiping traffic police had been held. He said improvements were being made through real-time traffic monitoring via closed-circuit television (CCTV) by the WCE Traffic Control Centre. 'This monitoring will directly notify the traffic police to carry out control actions, assistance and traffic management at the Changkat Jering junction in case of congestion,' he added. The narrow exit to Changkat Jering, he said, was designed by certified consultants taking into account feedback from road safety auditors, adding that the design was approved by the relevant department. On a question by Mohd Akmal Kamarudin (PN-Selama) on the development of the Northern Corridor Highway (NCH) project, Mohammad Nizar said several government agencies, including the Works Ministry were reviewing viable sections of the highway.
