Sarawak haze fight hinges on suitable clouds, Uggah says seeding useless without them

KUCHING, Aug 21 — Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has stated that cloud seeding operations for combating the haze will rely on favorable weather conditions, specifically the presence of suitable clouds. The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman revealed that talks were held with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), which stands prepared to conduct the cloud seeding operation whenever weather conditions are suitable.

"The crucial factor is the existence of suitable clouds. Without them, the salt (seeding agent) will simply fall," Uggah told reporters at the Borneo Animation and Games Festival (BAGFest) today. Expressing optimism, Uggah hopes that weather conditions will improve soon, enabling the cloud seeding operation to take place and assist in addressing the haze issue.

"We will persist in coordinating with Nadma to ensure all preparations for the operation are optimal," he added, mentioning that water levels at several dams and reservoirs in Sarawak were alarmingly low due to the hot weather. The Serian area recorded an unhealthy API level of 227 as of 2pm, while nine other areas in the state reported unhealthy readings.