Dams in Perlis, Kedah at critical levels

 

Timah Tasoh dam drying up. -- NSTP FILEPIC

ALOR STAR: Water levels at dams in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia remain at a critical stage, as recent rainfall has been insufficient to significantly increase reserves.

In Perlis, the Timah Tasoh Dam remains in the red zone despite recording a slight increase.

State Drainage and Irrigation Department director Amir Budiman Abdullah said the water level had only risen to 26.31m, which is still below the critical mark of 26.5m.

"There has been an increase in the dam's water level, but it is minimal, only 0.02m. As of now, the water level is at 26.31m, which is still within the critical or red range," he told Buletin TV3.

He added that rainfall in the catchment area was still insufficient to improve the situation.

"There has been rain, but it is less compared to Kangar and Arau. It does not have a significant impact on the dam's water level," he said.

In Kedah, the Muda Dam is at 9.24 per cent of its capacity.

Meanwhile, the Beris Dam was reported to be at the warning level, while the Ahning Dam is at a moderate level.

However, the Pedu Dam is currently at a normal level.

Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, when contacted, said the current water release of 600 cubic feet per second was only sufficient to cater to domestic needs.

"We released 600 cubic feet per second for the water treatment plants (LRA), but it is still insufficient for irrigation purposes," he told Buletin TV3.

He said the situation had a direct impact on the agricultural sector, which relies heavily on the dam's water supply.

Nonetheless, domestic water supply remains under control and no rationing has been implemented.

"There are no issues with the domestic supply yet," he said, adding that a third cloud seeding operation would be carried out soon to increase water resources.

"We will conduct cloud seeding operations, but we have yet to receive a date from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). We are waiting for suitable cloud conditions," he said. - NST