The water level at the Bukit Merah Dam in Perak has officially reached Stage Three Irrigation Critical Status today, falling to a reservoir level of just 6.294m. Perak State Exco members confirmed this afternoon that the dam is currently at only 17% capacity due to a prolonged period of zero rainfall in the catchment area. This critical drop poses a significant threat to thousands of hectares of padi fields in the Kerian district. 

Simultaneously, the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department is battling a surge in forest fires, recording four separate blazes across the state in the last 24 hours. The most significant fire covers 17 hectares in Sepang, while a 12-hectare fire in the Kuala Langat Selatan Forest Reserve is being fought with fire breaks and excavators. These incidents have been linked to the extreme dry weather currently affecting the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. 

Authorities have issued a warning for residents in northern states to prepare for potential water rationing if the dry spell continues. While the government is monitoring the situation, farmers have been urged to optimize water usage for their crops. The combination of critical dam levels and active forest fires highlights the severe environmental stress Malaysia is facing during this 2026 inter-monsoon period.