Infrastructure Work For Five-season Paddy Planting Programme Begins Ahead Of Schedule

ALOR SETAR, July 26 (Bernama) -- The main infrastructure development project under the five-season paddy planting programme over two years in the Muda area has commenced ahead of its scheduled start date of Aug 1.

Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh said the project's progress is ahead of schedule, reflecting a strong commitment and seriousness in assisting farmers in the Muda area.

The development project comprises two main components: the construction and maintenance of 15 Tertiary Irrigation System Blocks (Project 1), and the Pedu Dam Phase 1 Comprehensive Rehabilitation Project (Project 2), with a total allocation of RM1 billion.

“These 15 blocks will supply water to 560 hectares of paddy fields. According to the original timeline, the project was scheduled to begin on Aug 1, but the contractor began work earlier,” he said when asked about the project's progress.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited to the major infrastructure development project under the five-season paddy cultivation programme in the Muda area, located at Batu 7, Kampung Kemboja, Ayer Hitam, near Jitra.

He said the paddy cultivation programme would bring comprehensive reforms to the country’s paddy and rice industry ecosystem, helping to reduce reliance on imports and enhance national rice self-sufficiency.

He added that the Prime Minister’s visit marked his second to the project site, aimed at reviewing the progress of agricultural infrastructure development in line with the government’s efforts to strengthen the national food supply and boost local rice production.

“This project, which is currently underway, focuses on upgrading the irrigation and drainage systems, as well as enhancing the use of modern technology in the paddy cultivation sector. It not only supports intensified planting activities but also has the potential to boost productivity and increase the income of paddy farmers.

“With the implementation of five planting seasons in two years, the country is expected to reduce its reliance on imported rice and raise the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of this strategic commodity,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about the proposed construction of guardrails and maintenance work along the Sungai Korok canal, Ismail said MADA and the Public Works Department (JKR) have held initial discussions on constructing guardrails at the location, as previously suggested by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

On July 8, Ahmad Zahid said that the government would consider proposals to build guardrails and install streetlights along the route near Sungai Korok, following the tragic incident on July 5, in which six family members died after their car skidded and plunged into the canal.

-- BERNAMA