MORE than 3,000 padi farmers working over 15,000ha of rice fields in Kota Baru, Kelantan, are bracing for devastating losses with yields expected to plunge by 80%.

According to Kelantan Paddy Farmers Association chairman Zuha Ismail, the drastic drop is due to insufficient water supply during the sowing period in June and July, Berita Harian reported.

He said the worst-affected areas include the north and south of Kota Baru, as well as Pasir Puteh, Bachok, Tumpat and parts of Pasir Mas.

"The sowing process began in June and July, and a consistent water supply is critical at that stage.

"Sadly, water from the Kemubu pumping station was not channelled to the fields within the required period," he said.

Zuha said the prolonged delay left many fields overrun with weeds instead of padi.

"Water from the Kemubu pumping station was only supplied from last month, and even then on a rotational basis, by which time the padi's condition could no longer be salvaged," he added.

He warned that the shortage could see yields drop by up to 80%, leaving farmers unable to repay their debts.

"This situation is extremely distressing for us as we depend entirely on paddy for our livelihood," he said.

The farmers urged the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority to urgently address their problems.

> A small cendol stall at a bus stand in Kuala Pilah, Negri Sembilan, has been a local favourite for more than 70 years, Utusan Malaysia reported.

Stall owner Abu Backer Sithiq Mustafa, 65, is continuing his late father's legacy.

His father began the business in the 1950s, selling cendol from a cart at the bus stand.

"When I was a child, I often helped my father. After he passed away in 1970, I had to quit school and keep the business going in order to support my three younger siblings.

"Until today, I still use his original recipe. All the ingredients are prepared the traditional way to ensure the taste remains the same," he said.

> The daily also reported that the public and school holiday season has brought a surge of tourists to Terengganu, with hotels and homestays fully booked.

Malaysia Association of Hotels Terengganu chapter chairman Suaibah Harun said the strong demand has forced hotels to reject last-minute bookings via phone calls or walk-ins.

"I am optimistic that the trend will continue until year-end with holiday promotions attracting more tourists to the state," she said.

Besides the beaches and islands, Suaibah said tourists are also drawn to local markets such as Pasar Payang, as well as landmarks like the Crystal Mosque and the Terengganu Drawbridge.