MUAR, March 7 — The National Disaster Management Committee has made various preparations to face the prolonged dry season in the country if the situation turns critical, said deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin, who is also the chairman of the committee, said although the situation had not reached the critical stage, the committee was constantly informed of the latest situation by the affected states.

"So far, the Ministry of Agriculture (and Agro-Based Industry) informed that the country had not been affected but if this trend (drought) continues for two months until May, for example, it will have a serious effect, the crops may be affected, shortage of water supply will affect the crops and we fear if it will affect the food supply because the cost will go up," he said.

Muhyiddin, who is also the MP for Pagoh, disclosed this to reporters after attending a Pagoh Wanita Umno program at the Kompleks Seri Pekembar, Pagoh, here.

The deputy prime minister was commenting on the preparations of the committee in facing the prolonged dry spell in the country.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Education Minister, said the circular on the action to be taken during the drought season had already been circulated to the schools. — Bernama