Anwar Ibrahim orders cloud seeding as Malaysia's north dries
Malaysia is moving to use cloud seeding to bring rain to its northern rice-growing region as dry weather has delayed planting and drained reservoir levels. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the operations this week. The effort now runs alongside planting decisions already under pressure from low rainfall and higher costs.
Muda Reservoir at eight percent
Mohamad Sabu said this year has been affected by prolonged dry weather, low rainfall and reduced dam water levels. In Kedah’s Muda Agricultural Development Authority areas, the main dam reservoir for the region is at eight percent, while more than 50 percent of the rice fields have been prepared and only a fraction have been planted.
Farmers in the north have missed two of the three usual planting phases for wet direct seeding of rice. Dry direct seeding remains available until June, giving growers a narrower window to try to keep the season moving.
Kedah rice planting window
Abdul Rashid Yob, a farmer in Kedah’s Muda Agricultural Development Authority region, said, “Even where water is available, many cannot afford to proceed due to high costs.” He pointed to fuel expenses as part of the pressure on planting decisions.
Fitri Amit, a small-scale rice farmer in Perak, said, “Farmers prefer that support be given by increasing the paddy price.” The government has also announced programs to offset fuel costs, including boosts to aid programs, as it tries to keep planting viable for farmers facing the dry spell.
Malaysia food supply pressure
Malaysia consumes about 2.5 million tonnes of rice a year, and about half of that is produced domestically. Most of the country’s rice production comes from northern peninsular Malaysia, with Kedah as the biggest rice producer, making the region strategically important to Malaysia’s food security.
Cloud seeding is set for Perlis and Kedah on May 10, leaving growers there waiting on rain while the planting window continues to narrow. For farmers who have already prepared fields, the immediate test is whether water can return soon enough for the remaining dry direct seeding period before June closes.
