Latest news with #MudaAgriculturalDevelopmentAuthority
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Cabinet to discuss impact of geopolitical conflicts on oil prices, food supply
BERUAS: The impact of ongoing geopolitical conflicts on oil prices and the national food import supply is expected to be discussed at the Cabinet meeting next week," said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He said the ongoing tensions involving several major powers have affected global oil market prices, which in turn have impacted the cost of imported food items from countries such as India, Pakistan, and China. "Although we have not discussed the ongoing conflicts in depth, I believe their effects on Malaysia will be raised during next Wednesday's Cabinet meeting. "I do not yet know the official agenda, but I am certain the matter will be addressed," he told reporters after visiting the Perak State Farmers Organisation cattle farm project in Kampung Tengah here today. Mohamad said the Iran-Israel conflict is of particular concern, as its potential to spread to other countries remains unpredictable. "At the moment, importing goods from Iran is difficult due to various sanctions. "Most transactions have to go through third-party countries such as Dubai," he said. Despite facing more than four decades of sanctions, Mohamad noted that Iran has made significant technological progress, especially in defence. "This should challenge us. Iran has advanced despite sanctions. We are not under sanctions, yet there are many areas that we need to improve," he added. He said Malaysian imports from Iran include dates, carpets and other household goods. Mohamad stressed that the government is committed to finding the best solutions to ensure national food security is not compromised, especially amid global political and economic uncertainties. On the effects of the current heatwave on padi cultivation, he said that 60 per cent of the country's rice production remains unaffected for now. However, he added that adjustments to the paddy planting schedule may be required, depending on instructions from the relevant authorities and consultations with the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) and the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (Kada).
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.
The Star
06-06-2025
- 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
06-06-2025
- 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.
