Water levels at three Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) dams have dropped to a limited capacity of 35.76%, raising concerns for upcoming padi planting seasons amid El Niño forecasts
ALOR SETAR: The water reservoir levels in three dams managed by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) today are at a limited level, with a total reservoir volume of 437,405 acre-feet, equivalent to 35.76 per cent.
MADA in a statement said the Pedu Dam is at a level of 323,700 acre-feet (36.99 per cent), the Muda Dam at 14,850 acre-feet (11.88 per cent), and the Ahning Dam at 98,855 acre-feet (44.33 per cent).
“Considering the limited water reservoir capacity, the irrigation status for this season’s padi planting will depend entirely on the effectiveness of rainwater runoff.
“This situation is more challenging due to the Malaysian Meteorological Department’s (MET Malaysia) projection, which indicates a 96 per cent increase in the likelihood of the El Nino phenomenon by the end of this year,” according to the statement.
MADA said that the situation is expected to potentially develop into a stronger level, and the hot, dry weather conditions and the risk of rainfall deficit are expected to pose significant challenges to water resource availability and padi planting activities in the Muda Area.
MADA also said that following the decision of the MADA Water Supply and Padi Planting Committee (MJBAPP) meeting on Monday, the Padi Planting Schedule for Season 2/2026 has been set for a total area of 99,489 hectares (ha).
“The sowing dates for Phase I will begin on Sept 23 and end on Nov 4, followed by Phase II from Oct 3 to Nov 14, while Phase III is scheduled from Oct 13 to Nov 24.
“In facing the risks of the El Nino phenomenon and the high dependence on rainfall distribution, MADA urges farmers to wisely utilise and optimise existing water resources,” it said.
Meanwhile, MADA supports the irrigation needs in the affected areas through the maximum operation of drainage water recycling pumps and mobile pumps in the field.
MADA also said that the padi planting activities for Season 1/2026 across the entire MADA area, which spans 100,641 ha, are now in the final flowering and harvesting phase.
“Until yesterday, which is the 24th week, the planting progress record showed that the pre-planting stage had reached 100 per cent, land preparation 99 per cent, and the planting stage 98.4 per cent, while the harvesting rate had reached 9.3 per cent,” it added.
