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

KUCHING, Aug 21 — Cloud seeding efforts to combat the haze in Sarawak hinge on favorable weather conditions, particularly the presence of suitable clouds, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. During a recent meeting at the Borneo Animation and Games Festival, Uggah stated that the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has been in discussions with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) regarding the cloud seeding operation, which can only proceed when weather conditions are suitable.

"The crucial factor is the presence of suitable clouds. Without them, the salt used for seeding will simply fall harmlessly," he remarked to reporters. Uggah expressed optimism that weather conditions would improve soon, enabling the cloud seeding operation to aid in tackling the haze. He emphasized that preparations for the operation are being optimized in coordination with Nadma, while also noting that water levels in several Sarawakian dams and reservoirs are dangerously low due to the scorching heat.

As of 2pm, Serian logged an unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 227, and nine other locations within the state reported unhealthy readings.