Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said the state executive council was informed of the low water level two weeks ago and had asked the agriculture and food industries ministry to carry out cloud seeding to supply rainwater to the reservoir.

He urged farmers to be aware of the drop in the water level, which usually occurred every year, and to avoid wastage.

Yesterday, the drainage and irrigation department in Kerian said irrigation water supply would be stopped in stages once the water level at Bukit Merah dipped below 20 feet (6 metres).

Priority would be given to supplying the fresh water treatment plants at Gunung Semanggol and Parit Buntar.

Saarani had said in February that the reduced water level had affected not only padi farmers but also the manufacturing industry in Taiping, including glove makers.

The Kerian district is the third largest “rice bowl” area in the country, after the Muda and IADP areas in Kedah and Penang.

Asked about the construction of a water tunnel from Sungai Perak to supply the Bukit Merah reservoir, Saarani said the state government was still studying the costs of the long-term project.