KOTA BARU: About 12,500 ha of padi fields under the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (Kada) scheduled for harvesting in November and December face flood risks during the Northeast Monsoon.
Kada chairman Khalid Abdul Samad said 56 per cent of the 25,000 ha of padi cultivation areas under the agency had been harvested for the first season of 2026 as of today.
"The remaining 44 per cent includes 11,000 ha scheduled for harvesting next month and another 1,500 ha in December, mainly in the Tumpat area. These areas could be affected if flooding occurs during the period," he said.
He said Kada implemented five monsoon preparedness measures, including maintaining drainage systems, coordinating water gate operations, operating seven active drainage pumps, scheduling the second padi planting season, and relocating assets to safer areas.
Khalid said this after the launch of the 2026 Integrity Day celebration and the Kada Corruption-Free Pledge ceremony here today.
Meanwhile, Khalid said Kada considered the average deduction rate of about 23 per cent for moisture and impurities during the first 2026 harvest season to be reasonable, adding that no complaints had been received from farmers.
He said that as of Oct 18, average deduction rates varied among Area Farmers' Organisations (PPK), with PPK Jaya Peringat recording 23 per cent, followed by PPK Sri Gunong at 23.5 per cent and PPK Tanjong Puri at 24.5 per cent.
He said Kada will monitor the padi grading process and investigate any complaints about deductions deemed excessive or unreasonable.
Padi farmers were also advised to follow the established planting schedule to avoid harvesting during the monsoon season, which could affect padi quality and result in higher deduction rates.
Khalid said grading was based on the quality of padi delivered to mills, including the presence of foreign matter, empty grains, damaged or immature grains, and excessive moisture content. — BERNAMA
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