{
  "id": 18441010,
  "title": "Delayed rice planting threatens food security as El Niño persists",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/delayed-rice-planting-threatens-food-security-as-el-nino-persists",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T04:05:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1572004/delayed-rice-planting-threatens-food-security-el-ni%C3%B1o-persists"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Alor Star: El Niño and delayed rice planting could jeopardize Malaysia's food security, according to PeSAWAH chairman Abdul Rashid Yob. Only 10 to 20 percent of farmers have begun sowing, as planting schedules have been greatly disrupted. The situation is exacerbated by water shortages, with Muda Dam water levels at critically low levels, making this year's growing season rely entirely on rainwater. Rashid expressed concern over the lack of government action, requesting a special committee to tackle the issue. He highlighted the need for collaboration between federal and state governments to prevent a potential food crisis.",
  "summary": "ALOR STAR: Delayed rice planting schedules and the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to continue into next year, could threaten Malaysia's food security if immediate action is not taken.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}