Latest news with #ALORSETAR

Barnama
06-06-2025
- 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.

Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Malay Mail
Vape sales to end in Kedah as state cracks down on drug-linked misuse, says Sanusi
ALOR SETAR, May 15 — Kedah will not renew licenses for electronic cigarettes or vapes in the state, citing concerns about their potential misuse for drug abuse. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said during the state-level Drug Eradication Action Council meeting yesterday that discussions also centred on the use of vape devices for synthetic drug abuse. 'Some individuals are exploiting the situation by selling synthetic drugs in liquid form that can be inhaled using vape devices. Preventing vape sales is one way to curb drug abuse,' he said after chairing the State Executive Council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here today. It was reported that Perlis will ban the sale of electronic cigarettes or vapes starting August 1. Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the decision was based on the Perlis State Fatwa Committee ruling, which declared vape use as haram (prohibited) in 2022. Meanwhile, Muhammad Sanusi said a complete ban on vape sales in the state cannot be implemented hastily to avoid potential legal issues. 'Existing licenses must expire first because there have been prior court cases on other matters. We were warned about possible legal loopholes that might be overlooked, leading to lawsuits,' he said. He added that the state government aims to enforce a complete ban on vape sales, including in convenience stores, by next year, once all licenses are no longer renewed. He added that Kedah will continue intensifying anti-drug efforts at the district level with the cooperation of District Officers, District Police Chiefs, and National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) officers. Muhammad Sanusi said that drug abuse has become a 'wound' and cancer in society, and it must be treated urgently to prevent more severe consequences in the future. — Bernama


The Sun
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Langkawi steps up stray dog control ahead of LIMA'25
ALOR SETAR: Authorities in Langkawi are tightening control measures on stray dogs ahead of next month's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), which is expected to draw around 400,000 visitors. The Langkawi Tourism City Municipal Council (MPLBP) will lead the effort to reduce the risk of dog attacks, which officials say could pose a safety concern for the public. 'It wouldn't look good if visitors out for a jog or walk were suddenly chased by stray dogs,' said Kedah's Housing, Local Government and Health Committee chairman Major (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria, during the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. He was responding to a question from Amar Pared Mahamud (PN–Kuah), who raised concerns about the state's strategy to manage stray dogs and protect the safety of both residents and tourists. Mansor said the control measures are being implemented under the Dog Licensing By-Laws (Langkawi District Council) 1995, with approved capture methods including nets, snares and catch poles. 'Stray dogs won't sit still, so using ropes often leads to pulling and struggling during capture,' he explained. The council is working with a local non-governmental organisation to manage the captured animals, including neutering in partnership with private veterinary clinics. Mansor added that local authorities across Kedah have been directed to take similar steps under existing laws to prevent further incidents.


The Star
22-04-2025
- General
- The Star
Langkawi rounding up stray dogs ahead of LIMA'25
ALOR SETAR: Authorities in Langkawi are tightening control measures on stray dogs ahead of next month's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (LIMA'25), which is expected to draw around 400,000 visitors. The Langkawi Tourism City Municipal Council will lead the effort to reduce the risk of dog attacks, which officials say could pose a safety concern for the public. "It wouldn't look good if visitors out for a jog or walk were suddenly chased by stray dogs,' said Kedah's housing, local government and health committee chairman Major (Rtd) Mansor Zakaria, during the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Tuesday (April 22). He was responding to a question from Amar Pared Mahamud (PN-Kuah), who raised concerns about the state's strategy to manage stray dogs and protect the safety of both residents and tourists. Mansor said the control measures are being implemented under the Dog Licensing By-Laws (Langkawi District Council) 1995, with approved capture methods including nets, snares and catch poles. "Stray dogs won't sit still, so using ropes often leads to pulling and struggling during capture,' he explained. The council is working with a local non-governmental organisation to manage the captured animals, including neutering in partnership with private veterinary clinics. Mansor added that local authorities across Kedah have been directed to take similar steps under existing laws to prevent further incidents. - Bernama