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New Straits Times
a day ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Kedah dam levels sufficient for padi farming ahead of monsoon dry spell
ALOR STAR: Water levels at Kedah's three main dams for padi irrigation are sufficient ahead of the dry spell expected during the Southwest Monsoon starting this month. The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) said that water levels at its three main dams — Pedu Dam, Muda Dam, and Ahning Dam — were recorded at over 60 per cent capacity as of yesterday. "As of June 5, 2025, water levels at all three of Mada's main dams remain sufficient: Pedu Dam is at 66.34 per cent, Muda Dam at 66.87 per cent, and Ahning Dam at 68.5 per cent. "Current readings indicate that the overall water reserves are still capable of meeting the irrigation needs for the Season 1/2025 padi planting in the Muda area," Mada said in a statement issued by its corporate communications office. On Wednesday, it was reported that several districts in Malaysia experienced extreme heat due to the Southwest Monsoon, which typically brings less rainfall nationwide and leads to higher temperatures during dry periods. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip was reported as saying that the hot conditions are expected to continue until September. Mada is boosting the use of drainage water reuse and booster pumps to increase irrigation supply and urges farmers to prepare their fields quickly and follow the planting schedule closely. "Mada remains committed to ensuring the continuity of the country's rice production despite the challenges posed by unpredictable weather. All measures taken aim to safeguard farmers' interests and ensure national food security," it said.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Public warned of heatstroke as hot spell continues
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent extreme heat affecting several districts in Malaysia is due to the Southwest Monsoon, which typically brings less rainfall nationwide and leads to higher temperatures during dry periods. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the hot conditions are expected to continue until September. However, he said temperatures are likely to return to normal in the coming days as more areas are forecast to receive rain in the early mornings and late afternoons. "The country is currently experiencing the Southwest Monsoon, during which rainfall generally decreases across most areas. "However, thunderstorms and heavy rain may still occur from time to time, especially in the western peninsula, northern Sarawak and western Sabah in the morning, and inland areas in the evening or at night," he said. He was responding to recent reports which said six districts — Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Larut, Matang, Kuala Kangsar and Perak Tengah (Perak), as well as Machang and Kuala Krai (Kelantan) — recorded daily maximum temperatures of 35°C to 37°C for three consecutive days. These areas have been classified under Level 1 (Alert). The situation has raised concerns among public health experts and residents. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned that heatstroke could be fatal, particularly for the elderly, children, pregnant women and those who are obese. In Kampung Labok, Machang, resident Syahman Kamaruddin, 44, said his family had to bathe several times a day, even at night, due to the heat. He also reported murky tap water in the area Mohd Hisham advised the public to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity to reduce health risks. "Open burning should also be avoided, as it can contribute to haze and environmental pollution. "For the latest weather updates, visit MetMalaysia's website, use the myCuaca mobile app, or follow our social media platforms," he said. For further information, the public may contact MetMalaysia's hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Scorching days ahead: Monsoon heat to last until September, says MetMalaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The current spell of hot weather affecting the country is not unusual, but rather a typical occurrence during the annual Southwest Monsoon season. The monsoon, which began on May 10, is expected to persist until mid-September. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the season was characterised by drier conditions, due to lower humidity and a more stable atmosphere. "Malaysia is currently experiencing the Southwest Monsoon phase, which naturally brings drier weather, reduced cloud cover, and less rainfall. "This results in increased solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, subsequently raising daily temperatures. "Rainfall will be significantly reduced during this period, with more dry days expected nationwide," he told Berita Harian. Nevertheless, Mohd Hisham said that isolated incidents of heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms might still occur in some areas. Among the affected regions are the western parts of Peninsular Malaysia, northern Sarawak and western Sabah during the early mornings, and the interior and eastern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as inland Sarawak and Sabah during the afternoon and early evening. He said weather forecasts up to June 4 suggested continued hot and dry conditions in most parts of the country. "Wind convergence zones, which typically bring heavy rain, are currently concentrated in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Myanmar. "So far, the maximum daily temperatures for May have ranged between 33°C and 36°C, and are expected to remain at this level in the coming week due to limited rainfall," he said. Mohd Hisham also advised the public to stay hydrated and reduce exposure to outdoor activities. "Open burning should be strictly avoided as it can contribute to haze and environmental pollution," he added.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
METMalaysia: Southwest monsoon to start May 10
KUALA LUMPUR: The Southwest Monsoon is expected to begin on May 10 and continue until September, marked by winds blowing consistently from the southwest across the country. Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that during the Southwest Monsoon, lower humidity levels typically lead to reduced rain cloud formation across most areas. 'As a result, the country will experience reduced rainfall during this period, with more dry days than rainy ones. 'However, heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms may still occur in the western parts of the Peninsula, northern Sarawak, and the western part of Sabah, particularly in the early morning, due to the squall line phenomenon. This occurs when winds converge, creating a line of thunderstorms which can last for several hours,' he said in a statement today. During the peak of the season, from July to September, there is a possibility of local and cross-border haze if open burning activities are not effectively managed. He stressed that open burning should be strictly avoided to help mitigate haze and prevent environmental pollution, while also urging the public to use water sparingly during this period. For the latest weather updates, the public can visit the official MetMalaysia website, download the myCuaca mobile app, follow the department's official social media channels, or contact the hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for any further inquiries.
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Borneo Post
Brace for drier days, possible haze as Southwest Monsoon set to begin May 10
KUALA LUMPUR (May 7): The Southwest Monsoon is expected to begin on May 10 and continue until September, marked by winds blowing consistently from the southwest across the country. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that during the Southwest Monsoon, lower humidity levels typically lead to reduced rain cloud formation across most areas. 'As a result, the country will experience reduced rainfall during this period, with more dry days than rainy ones. 'However, heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms may still occur in the western parts of the Peninsula, northern Sarawak, and the western part of Sabah, particularly in the early morning, due to the squall line phenomenon. This occurs when winds converge, creating a line of thunderstorms which can last for several hours,' he said in a statement today. During the peak of the season, from July to September, there is a possibility of local and cross-border haze if open burning activities are not effectively managed. He stressed that open burning should be strictly avoided to help mitigate haze and prevent environmental pollution, while also urging the public to use water sparingly during this period. For the latest weather updates, the public can visit the official MetMalaysia website, download the myCuaca mobile app, follow the department's official social media channels, or contact the hotline at 1-300-22-1638 for any further inquiries. – Bernama
