By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Sept 15 — In light of the current uncertain weather conditions, the Selangor government is constantly monitoring water pumps and floodgates in the state to ensure they are working optimally.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Izham Hashim was quoted by Bernama as saying that the initiative under the Raw Water Security Scheme (SJAM) is done taking into consideration flood risks that could occur at any time.
He said in view of this, attention will not only be focused during the usual flooding season, but throughout the year.
“We are constantly monitoring the pumps and floodgates, as well as conducting maintenance works on drains and rivers, among others, as preparation.
“We have over 20 mobile water pumps on the ready in case there are water overflow incidents. These are placed near the floodgates,” he told reporters after officiating the Selangor Agricultural Innovation Day 2023 at the Kuala Selangor Agriculture Department office yesterday.
On proposals to conduct paddy planting five times in two years compared to the current twice a year, Izham said the matter will be reviewed by the Agriculture Department and North-West Selangor Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA).
He said the study will determine if such a move is appropriate, with focus on the issues of water supply and suitable seeds.
Meanwhile, Izham said the reduction in paddy rice yield in the state from eight to ten metric tons per hectare to a meagre three to four metric tons has been identified to be a result of climate change and the spread of several diseases globally.
He said the matter needed to be resolved via innovation and research.
Izham added that the Statistics Department is set to conduct a census in Selangor starting July next year to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the state’s agricultural system, to help increase production in the future.
