BAGAN SERAI: Residents affected by the recent drought in Bukit Merah Lake at Gunung Semanggol, near here, held Istisqa prayers (prayers for rain).
Azha Hashim, 56, the Parit Haji Taib 3 farmers' unit head said the water level at the Bukit Merah Lake began to recede due to drought.
This has affected padi fields in the Kerian district, including the Bagan Serai area.
"It has been several months without heavy rain and the water in the canal, including Bukit Merah Lake, has also dried up.
"In my area alone, 250 hectares of padi fields have been affected.
"Fertilising the padi fields and weeding work have all been halted," he said, expressing concern that farmers would suffer losses. He urged the government to consider providing adequate compensation if the drought persists.
Meanwhile, Bukit Merah Laketown resort manager M. Danesh Kumar said all recreational activities at Bukit Merah Lake had to be temporarily shelved due to the water level dropping below 6.10 metres.
"Activities such as kayaking and visiting the Orang Utan Island have been suspended due to the drop in water level in the lake. However, the water theme park activities will continue," he said.