Perak Government Urges Acceleration of Sungai Perak – Bukit Merah Lake Water Transfer Project
Perak Government Urges Acceleration of Sungai Perak – Bukit Merah Lake Water Transfer Project
The Perak State Government is urging the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of the water transfer project from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah Lake to address water shortages, especially during the dry season.
Menteri Besar, Dato Seri Saarani Mohamad, emphasized that this project is critical not only for agricultural needs but also to meet the demands of the industrial sector.
“Previously, our application for this project was specifically to solve irrigation problems for rice fields in northern Perak. However, it is no longer just for that. The purpose of this project is also to support the construction of new water treatment plants (LRA), allowing us to supply water for KIGIP, the residents of northern Perak, and any surplus can be sold to Pulau Pinang,” explained Saarani.
The project is planned to ensure sufficient water supply for the Integrated Rubber Industrial Park (KIGIP) and surrounding communities, in addition to addressing irrigation challenges for rice farmers.
Azhar Hashim, Deputy Chairman of the Malaysian Paddy Farmers Brotherhood Organization (Pesawah), recently also urged for the immediate implementation of this project to guarantee water supply for the agricultural sector.
Cloud Seeding Depends on Weather
Regarding cloud seeding operations, Saarani explained that the timing of its implementation is subject to the assessment of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
“For now, the Meteorological Department has advised that this is not the right time because wind directions are uncertain, which might cause the rain not to fall over Bukit Merah Lake. We do not want this effort to be in vain,” he said.
Meanwhile, farmers have to rely on river water managed by the Integrated Agricultural Development Authority (IADA) as a temporary measure.
– Bernama
