Water level at Muda dam hits critical low of 8%

2026-03-26 - 05:30

The Muda dam plays a crucial role in collecting water and channelling it to the Pedu dam for irrigation across the Muda agricultural area. (Bernama pic) ALOR SETAR: The water level at the Muda dam in Sik has dropped to a worrying low of just 8.04% or 10,050 acre-feet. Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) chairman Ismail Salleh said the dam played a crucial role in collecting water and channelling it to the Pedu dam for irrigation across the Muda agricultural area. “The issue is that after several months of drought, the water level at Muda dam is at about 8%, which is extremely low. The combined levels at Muda, Pedu and Ahning dams stand at about 39%. “At this level, any water release should be prioritised for domestic use at water treatment plants. This is serious as it directly affects supply, particularly for padi irrigation,” he said on TikTok. He said Mada would soon meet to decide on the upcoming planting season, noting that current reservoir levels may not permit water releases and that dry direct seeding is likely to be adopted. “We have engaged farmers to brief them on the situation. The planting season is expected to begin within three weeks, and we are hoping for rainfall. Otherwise, we have no choice but to proceed with this method, as the schedule cannot be delayed any further,” he said. According to data on Mada’s official website, the Muda dam has recorded the lowest storage at 10,050 acre-feet (8.04%), followed by the Pedu dam at 349,030 acre-feet (39.89%) and the Ahning dam at 121,089 acre-feet (54.30%).