Depleted dam reserves threaten next padi planting season in Kedah, Perlis [WATCH]
ALOR STAR: Some 56,000 padi farmers in Malaysia’s main rice-growing region face continued uncertainty over water supply as major dams struggle to recover from shortages that have persisted for much of the year.
![Depleted dam reserves threaten next padi planting season in Kedah, Perlis [WATCH]](/img/20233587)
Reservoirs in Malaysia's main padi-growing region of Kedah and Perlis are critically low, threatening the next planting season. Major dams such as Pedu, Muda and Ahning have persistently short supplies despite recent rains. Storage levels at the end of November were only 48.74%, down from 47.81% in February and 35.76% in September.
Farmers say this is the longest water shortage they've experienced in over two decades. The Malaysian Padi Farmers Association warned that the scarcity could delay the second planting season in 2026. They called for a dedicated task force to explore alternatives like tubewells or water catchments. The authorities also need to inspect the dams for leaks that could impair storage capacity.
In the meantime, farmers are advised to rely on rainwater retained in their fields for the first planting season of 2026.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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