Agriculture departments activate flood operations rooms to protect farmers, with focus on vegetable crops and immediate harvests before flooding
MELAKA: All state Agriculture Departments have activated operations rooms in preparation for the ongoing rainy season.
Director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi said special lines have been established to obtain immediate damage reports from flood hotspots.
“This allows farmers, breeders and field officers to take early action when flooding occurs,” she told reporters after officiating the MADANI Adopted School programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Limbongan.
She explained that data from these reports will coordinate appropriate assistance for affected farmers.
This support includes crop replanting initiatives and basic equipment provisions.
Nor Sam advised farmers to harvest any mature crops before floods arrive.
She also encouraged building shelves to elevate polybags in flood-prone areas.
“Following planting schedules and implementing water control measures can further reduce damage risks,” she added.
Vegetable crops face the highest flood risk due to their typical low-altitude planting locations.
Fruit crops experience less impact after their peak season concludes.
Nor Sam expressed confidence in Malaysia’s vegetable supply stability despite seasonal challenges.
“We can utilise stockpiling measures to stabilise markets if shortages occur,” she assured.
Earlier, she presented RM100,000 allocations to Sekolah Kebangsaan Limbongan and Sekolah Kebangsaan Tengkera 2.
The MADANI Adopted School programme aims to improve school facilities and maintenance.
Completed projects at SK Limbongan include a protective ‘drop off’ roof during rainfall.
Drain covers, new signage, and a bicycle park were also constructed.
The school’s gazebo and open hall structure received upgrades benefiting 500 students.
Nor Sam hopes such programmes continue to strengthen student development and wellbeing. – Bernama
