Alor setar: The water level of dams under the supervision of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) has been affected by the drought currently plaguing the state, thus impacting padi production this season. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the water level at the main dams, particularly the Pedu Dam, has dropped to around 40 per cent due to the extremely hot weather and unstable weather conditions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the water level at Pedu Dam was at 42.23 per cent, the Muda Dam at 11.12 per cent, and the Ahning Dam at 55.96 per cent, with a total water reservoir rate of 41.55 per cent. Minister Sabu noted that while rain has begun to fall in several areas, it has not significantly impacted the water levels as it needs to fall in the upstream area to increase the dam's water supply. In response, MADA plans to implement the dry sowing method while awaiting regular water channeling from the dams.

Padi yields have declined slightly due to the unpredictable weather, but the government has announced a relatively high replacement aid allocation to ease the burden on farmers. Minister Sabu made these comments during the Rice Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) Contribution Presentation Ceremony and a meeting with MADA area farmers last night.

In other developments, Minister Sabu stated that his ministry would continue to closely monitor the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia on the country's food security. Although the food supply is not currently directly affected, there is concern that an increase in global oil prices could raise the cost of importing and transporting food. The Minister has instructed the International and Food Security Division to prepare a report on the conflict's impact within a week, expressing hope for a ceasefire to prevent a rise in oil prices and subsequent market effects.

Meanwhile, he assured that stocks of meat, chicken, and coconuts are sufficient for the festive season, although the price status after Aidilfitri will depend on the stability of oil prices and the global economic situation.