ALOR STAR: Water levels in three Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada)-monitored dams remain stable, sufficient to fulfill irrigation and domestic needs despite the El Nino phenomenon.
Pedu Dam's water level currently sits at 71.44 per cent, with Ahning Dam at 89.99 per cent and Muda Dam at 40 per cent, collectively maintaining an overall reservoir capacity of 71.61 per cent.
In a statement today, Mada assured the public that despite Muda Dam's lower level, there's no cause for alarm as water has been redirected to support irrigation needs at Pedu Dam through an underground tunnel connecting the two.
"Muda Dam does not channel water elsewhere as it shares the same water source with Pedu Dam through an underground tunnel linking the two dams.
"Although Muda Dam appears to have a smaller reservoir capacity, it actually holds more water compared to Pedu Dam. Conversely, Pedu Dam may seem to have a larger reservoir capacity, but in reality, it holds less water compared to Muda Dam.
"There's no need to panic as Pedu Dam still maintains a satisfactory reservoir level for irrigation and commencing the paddy planting season next April," it said.
Regarding domestic water usage, Mada said Ahning Dam serves as the primary source, alleviating any concerns of water reduction at Muda Dam.
"To date, the water levels at all dams are very favorable." the statement added.
On Thursday, it was reported that four dams in Johor, Penang, and Kedah recorded a decrease in raw water reserves to critical levels, as of yesterday, due to the hot weather.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the affected dams include Sembrong Barat Dam in Johor, which currently stands at 31.65 per cent; Air Itam Dam in Penang (35 per cent); and BS Padang Saga Dam (39.67 per cent) and Malut Dam (39.90 per cent) in Kedah.
Nadma, quoting the National Water Services Commission and Drainage and Irrigation Department, said the water storage reserves at the Muda Dam in Kedah is at the the warning level at 41 per cent.