Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM208.319 million next year to strengthen irrigation and drainage systems in Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) areas, including upgrading works, developing new water sources and rehabilitating the Pedu Dam in Kedah.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the initiative aims to ensure more efficient water resource management, particularly in tackling unpredictable rainfall patterns and lower reservoir levels compared with previous years.
He said Mada is also enhancing water resource monitoring through a telemetry system to continuously track reservoir levels, rainfall distribution and resource changes to guide management planning.
“In addition, the efficiency of the irrigation system is being improved through the operation of 117 water reuse pumps, maximising rainwater utilisation, water-flow control, as well as the maintenance of water control structures to ensure more efficient water distribution,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to a question from Datuk Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) on the government’s plans to strengthen irrigation and drainage systems in Mada areas to address unpredictable rainfall and low dam water levels.
Chan said the government is also adjusting padi planting schedules and practices based on water availability, promoting drought-resistant padi varieties and implementing six rounds of Cloud Seeding Operations (OPA) throughout 2026.
These measures are supported by the development and maintenance of 15 Tertiary Blocks and the Jeniang Water Transfer Scheme, which is expected to be completed by 2030 through a public-private partnership.
Replying to a supplementary question from Awang on the progress of tertiary irrigation projects and flood complaints in the Tokai area, Chan said Phase One of the project, involving 12 blocks, had recorded 25.81 per cent physical progress as of Oct 26, exceeding its 25.19 per cent target.
This puts the project 0.62 percentage points ahead of schedule, with full completion expected by 2030, he said.
On allegations that inadequate drainage had caused water to enter homes in the area, he said the ministry will instruct Mada officers to visit the affected locations to monitor the situation and gather direct feedback from residents.