Malaysia builds US$1 mln tube wells in six drought-hit states
Malaysia has allocated 4 million MYR (about US$1 million) to build tube wells in six states that were hit badly by the drought, the country’s Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry announced on March 27.
 |
According to Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Deputy Minister Tajuddin Abdul Rahman, the tube wells will act as an alternative for watering crops during the dry season.
Underground water will be extracted and channeled into farming areas in six states – Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor, he said.
The ministry has prepared various actions in response to the situation, including support for farmers.
The Malaysian government will also increase rice imports if rice output declines due to the impacts of El Nino, the ministry noted.
Drought and a drop of 15% in rainfall can cause an 80% reduction in rice production.
