ALOR STAR: The Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) has assured ongoing monitoring and will alert relevant agencies if dam levels reach dangerous points due to recent heavy rain.
In a statement, Mada confirmed that the water levels at several dams under its management have risen, triggering the activation of the Dam Safety Emergency Action Plan standard operating procedures.
Mada reported that the Muda Dam reached 100 per cent capacity on Oct 12, causing water to overflow. However, this will not disrupt agricultural activities.
"The water level of the Muda Dam reached full capacity at 100.59m at 10.30pm on Oct 12, and has since risen to 101.13m, with an overflow rate of 65.16 cubic metres per second.
"This overflow will flow through the Sungai Muda basin and will not enter padi fields."
Mada said it had already taken action by providing early information to relevant parties.
It added that, on average, rainfall in the Pedu, Muda and Ahning dam catchment areas measured 67mm, 130mm and 47mm, respectively.
"Up to Saturday, the overall current status of the water levels in the three dams under Mada's management stands at 94,964.4 hectare-metre equivalent to 62.95 per cent capacity.
"The Pedu Dam's water capacity is 54,797 hectare-metre, or 50.77 per cent; Muda Dam holds 15,008 hectar-metre, or 97.34 per cent; and Ahning Dam holds 25,158 hectare-metre, or 91.46 per cent.
Earlier, a Mada notice about potential overflow from the Muda Dam in Sik, issued on Oct 10, went viral on social media.
The notice projected that overflow from the dam was likely to begin early next month.
Mada reiterated that if overflow or water release becomes necessary, it will notify the Kedah government and other relevant agencies beforehand.