Water levels at the reservoir have fallen below the danger level because of low rainfall last month, and water supply for irrigation has been diverted to treatment plants.

Bukit Merah dam supplies water to farmers in the Kerian district, one of the three major rice-growing areas in the peninsula. Close to 5,000 farmers who till 12,400 hectares of padi farms in Gunung Semanggol and Selinsing are affected.

Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said the irrigation and drainage department and Perak Water Board are conducting a detailed study on the matter. “Hopefully the issue can be resolved as soon as possible,” he said, according to Bernama.

Saarani said the state government had informed the federal government of the matter as the diversion would involve a high cost.

The drop in water level has affected residents and farmers, and forced the temporary closure of Orang Utan Island in Bukit Merah Laketown as the boats could not operate a ferry service because of the low water level.

Don’t politicise food issues, says MB

Saarani also urged political parties not to politicise the state government’s suggestion that the people should grow vegetables and rear livestock for their own consumption amid the current shortage of food supplies.

“All political parties need to understand this in order to change our life. I have been talking about this matter since I took office as state executive councillor two years ago,” he said.

Saarani said he had not asked those living in apartments to grow vegetables and rear livestock. However, he said home farming had become the culture of the Chinese community in the country, especially in new villages.