ALOR STAR: Kedah has released tens of millions cubic metres of water from the Beris Dam in Sik to support neighbouring Penang's needs for the past four days.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the water was released to stabilise water levels in Sungai Muda which flows down to Penang's Seberang Perai Utara on the mainland.

"For the past four days, we have started releasing water from Beris Dam following a request from the Penang government.

"In the next couple of days, cloud seeding operations will begin following the request made by Kedah Water Resources Board, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) and Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada).

"The water seeding operation will be led by Nadma (National Disaster Management Agency)," he said at a press conference after chairing the state executive council in Wisma Darul Aman here today.

Sanusi added that he was informed that the operation would be carried out between two and three times to stabilise the Sungai Muda water level.

"We sympathise with our neighbour. I have seen pictures of the water level drying up at the Lahar Tiang water intake because of the drop in Sungai Muda water level.

"Four days ago, we started releasing 10 million cubic meters of water, and we will continue releasing the water in stages until the river water level stabilises to ensure the water treatment process can continue to cater to the needs in Penang and Kedah.

"Hence, I wish to confirm that Penang indeed depends on Kedah for its water supply needs," he said.

Meanwhile, checks with the National Water Services Commission war room portal showed that the water reserve in Muda Dam remained at danger level with 10.40 per cent of remaining storage, slipping further from 10.80 per cent recorded yesterday.

The Pedu Dam is at warning level with 43.66 per cent of remaining storage today as compared to 44.13 per cent yesterday.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1081041/sanusi-kedah-releases-water-penang-cloud-seeding-begin-soon