ALOR STAR: The Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) will use cloud seeding to fill the Pedu, Muda and Ahning dams in the state, where water levels are rapidly dwindling.
Mada general manager Fouzi Ali said the method was agreed upon with the Agriculture and Agro-Based Ministry after a visit to the dam with its minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek on Wednesday.
Fouzi said as of 8am today, the water level at Pedu dam is at 83.55 metres, with reservoir percentage at 33.84; while water levels at Muda dam is at 91.44 metres, or 29.6 per cent; and Ahning at 100.96 metres, or 58.83 per cent.
According to Fouzi, total water volume at the three dams is at 37.59 percent, which is lower compared to the same period last year.
“The low water level at the three reservoirs is due to less rain at water catchment areas,” he said.
Fouzi added that cloud seeding at catchment areas will be done with cooperation from the Malaysian Meteorological Department soon and be carried out until the middle of next month.
He added that the cost for the operation will be about RM400,000.
Fouzi hastened to add, however, that the low water levels at the dams will not affect paddy cultivating activities in the state for the second season of 2016 that has just started.
“We hope paddy farmers will abide by the paddy-planting schedule for the second season and not waste the water supply,” he said.
The Pedu and Muda dams provide water for agriculture usage, while the Ahning dam is used by domestic consumers.