MADA dam water reserves drop to 40.13 percent amid dry weather

Water reserves in three dams managed by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) have dropped to an average of 40.13 percent due to prolonged hot and dry weather between January and May. Rainfall in the Pedu Dam catchment area has decreased by nearly 30 percent compared to average levels.

Specific storage levels recorded include the Pedu Dam at 40.82 percent, the Ahning Dam at 45.38 percent, and the Muda Dam at 25.92 percent. To combat the shortage, MADA has conducted five series of cloud seeding operations since February in collaboration with NADMA, the Malaysian Meteorological Department, and the Kedah State Water Resources Board.

Following a request on September 15, NADMA has agreed to carry out further cloud seeding operations at the Muda and Pedu dam catchments from Monday through Thursday. MADA has advised rice farmers to utilize stagnant rainwater in paddy fields for the 1/2026 season instead of relying on dam water releases. Current water releases are being strictly managed to meet domestic and industrial needs and to maintain canal levels for bank stability.