Kuala lumpur: 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 announced that the project's progress is on track, highlighting the strong commitment to supporting farmers in the region.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the development project consists of two primary 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. The contractor began work earlier than the original timeline, which was set for Aug 1.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited the significant infrastructure development project under the programme, located at Batu 7, Kampung Kemboja, Ayer Hitam, near Jitra. He emphasized that the paddy cultivation programme aims to bring comprehensive reforms to the nation's paddy and rice industry ecosystem, aiming to reduce import dependency and enhance national rice self-sufficiency.
The Prime Minister's visit, his second to the project site, was focused on assessing the progress of agricultural infrastructure development. This aligns with government efforts to strengthen the national food supply and boost local rice production. The ongoing project emphasizes upgrading irrigation and drainage systems and enhancing modern technology in paddy cultivation. This initiative supports intensified planting activities, potentially boosting productivity and increasing farmers' incomes.
The implementation of five planting seasons over two years is expected to decrease the country's reliance on imported rice and improve the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of this strategic commodity. Meanwhile, discussions have been held between MADA and the Public Works Department (JKR) regarding the construction of guardrails and maintenance work along the Sungai Korok canal, following a tragic incident on July 5, where six family members died after their car skidded and plunged into the canal.