Latest news with #MudaAgriculturalDevelopmentAuthority
Barnama
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Barnama
MADA Ramps Up Support For Padi Farmers Ahead Of Dry Monsoon
GENERAL ALOR SETAR, June 6 (Bernama) -- The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) is fully prepared for the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, which is expected to bring dry and hot weather conditions this month, in an effort to ensure the success of the first padi planting season in the Muda Area this year. In a statement today, MADA advised farmers to adhere strictly to the scheduled planting calendar and to expedite padi planting in their fields to maintain a smooth agricultural cycle. 'To address the anticipated water shortage, MADA has intensified the operation of drainage water reuse pumps and booster pumps to increase irrigation supply and speed up water distribution to padi fields. 'MADA is also deploying mobile pumps directly to affected fields to help farmers access water from the existing irrigation network,' the statement read. The agency said it had also held briefings and coordination meetings with field officers and farmers to tackle irrigation challenges, while expanding its agricultural extension efforts to ensure farmers remain aligned with the planting schedule. 'Farmer cooperation is crucial during this dry season to ensure uninterrupted planting activities,' it said. MADA said efficient on-field water management is key to ensuring equitable and sufficient distribution throughout the season. It also encouraged regular field monitoring to reduce the risk of pest and disease outbreaks that could affect crop yields. As of yesterday, water levels at all three of MADA's main dams remain adequate, namely Pedu Dam at 66.34 per cent, Muda Dam at 66.87 per cent, and Ahning Dam at 68.52 per cent. 'These levels indicate that the overall water reserves are sufficient to support irrigation needs for Season 1/2025 in Muda Area,' the statement read.
The Star
19 hours ago
- Climate
- The Star
Mada steps up support for padi farmers ahead of expected dry spell
ALOR SETAR: The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) is prepared for the arrival of the South-West Monsoon, which is expected to bring dry and hot weather conditions this month, to ensure the success of the first padi planting season this year. It advised farmers through a statement on Friday (June 6) to adhere strictly to the scheduled planting calendar and expedite planting to maintain a smooth agricultural cycle. "To address the anticipated water shortage, Mada has intensified the operation of drainage water reuse pumps and booster pumps to increase irrigation supply and speed up water distribution to padi fields. "Mada is also deploying mobile pumps directly to affected fields to help farmers access water from the existing irrigation network,' the statement read. The agency said it had also held briefings and coordination meetings with field officers and farmers to tackle irrigation challenges, while expanding its agricultural extension efforts to ensure farmers remain aligned with the planting schedule. "Farmer cooperation is crucial during this dry season to ensure uninterrupted planting activities,' it said. Efficient on-field water management is key to ensuring equitable and sufficient distribution throughout the season, it added. It also encouraged regular monitoring to reduce the risk of pest and disease outbreaks that could affect crop yields. As of Thursday (June 5), water levels at all three of Mada's main dams remain adequate, namely Pedu Dam at 66.34%, Muda Dam at 66.87%, and Ahning Dam at 68.52%. "These levels indicate that the overall water reserves are sufficient to support irrigation needs for Season 1/2025 in Muda Area,' the statement read. Water will be released from the dams and distributed in phases according to the official Season 1/2025 Paddy Planting Schedule, it added. The agency will also continue to monitor weather developments, relying on forecasts and advisories from the Malaysian Meteorological Department to prepare for potential heat waves or prolonged dry spells. – Bernama
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
28-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Mada to seek RM550,000 allocation to replace collapsed bridge in Jerlun
ALOR STAR: The Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) will apply for a RM550,000 allocation from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to rebuild a collapsed bridge connecting several villages in Ayer Hitam to Kuala Tunjang, Jerlun. Its chairman, Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, said that as a temporary measure, Mada would carry out repair work on an access road along the left bank of the Parit Tunjang irrigation canal to ensure continued vehicle access for residents in the affected areas. "Mada will undertake tree-trimming and road repair works along the access road beside Parit Tunjang to facilitate vehicle movement along the canal," he told the "New Straits Times". "We estimate that constructing a new bridge will cost about RM550,000. Mada will seek funding from the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry." Dr Ismail said warning signs and road barriers were put up at the site last night to alert villagers to the collapsed structure and ensure public safety. Earlier today, it was reported that the lives of over 1,000 residents from five villages in Ayer Hitam were disrupted following the collapse of the over 60-year-old bridge, which served as a vital link between Ayer Hitam and Kuala Tunjang. The affected villages are Kampung Hutan Tualang, Kampung Padang Tui, Kampung Gandai, Kampung Tandop Kedabu, and Kampung Tempayan Pecah. According to villagers, cracks had appeared in the bridge as early as 2022. They believe the structure gave way when strong river currents swept large amounts of aquatic vegetation, known locally as "kemeling", underneath it, causing a blockage that increased pressure on the aging structure. Villagers said Mada had previously informed them of estimated repair costs of RM400,000 and had carried out minor patching work at the time.
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Bridge collapse in Jerlun leaves five villages, 1,000 residents stranded
JERLUN: A bridge linking several villages in Ayer Hitam to Kuala Tunjang collapsed yesterday evening, disrupting the lives of more than 1,000 residents who rely on it for their daily commute. The incident, which occurred at around 6pm, severed the vital connection between Kampung Hutan Tualang, Kampung Padang Tui, Kampung Gandai, Kampung Tandop Kedabu, and Kampung Tempayan Pecah. Kampung Gandai Village Committee (MKK) chairman Mohd Zulhailmi Che Azmi said the bridge gave way when strong river currents carried aquatic plants known as kemeling, which became lodged underneath the structure. "The base of the bridge at Kampung Hutan Tualang had been cracked since 2020, but when the river flow intensified and carried a large amount of kemeling, it finally collapsed yesterday evening," he said when contacted today. "Residents have long been concerned about the bridge, which serves as a key route, especially for schoolchildren, paddy farmers and shrimp factory workers in Kuala Tunjang. "Since the cracks were first detected, only light vehicles such as motorcycles and cars could use the bridge. Now it is completely destroyed. Fortunately, no one was injured." Mohd Zulhailmi added that residents are particularly worried about the lack of emergency access, as fire engines and ambulances can no longer enter the area directly. "To cross the river, we now have to take a detour of more than 2km along a narrow road that is unsuitable for larger vehicles. "If there is an emergency such as a fire or medical incident, rescue vehicles will not be able to get through," he said. He said multiple complaints had been lodged with the authorities since 2021, but only temporary patchwork had been carried out. Resident Zulkifli Md Isa, 61, said the bridge, which is over 60 years old, had long posed safety concerns, particularly for motorists. "Besides submitting complaints, we even invited government officers and elected representatives to inspect the bridge. "Officials from the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) came in 2022 and informed us the repair costs could reach RM400,000. "But only minor patching was done, and residents had no choice but to continue using the bridge until it finally gave way," he said. Zulkifli urged the authorities to act swiftly to rebuild the bridge and restore safe access for the affected communities.
