Cloud seeding operations to begin in Sarawak, Northern Peninsula on Sept 3

Cloud seeding operations are set to commence in Sarawak and northern Peninsular Malaysia from September 3 to 5, aiming to combat worsening haze, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup announced. The three-day initiative, approved by the government, will target areas with hazardous and unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, generating rain to lower API levels and clear smoke particles.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) aircraft will be deployed to facilitate the operation, contingent on favorable weather conditions, including humidity levels and the presence of suitable clouds. Arthur emphasized that the ministry has ramped up haze monitoring, transitioning from twice-daily reports to hourly updates, with public releases occurring multiple times daily.

API readings from 68 monitoring stations nationwide indicated 50 stations at moderate air quality, 13 at unhealthy, two at very unhealthy, and two at hazardous levels. Kuching recorded the highest API reading of 295, while Sri Aman, Serian, and Samarahan reported readings of 214, 374, and 300, respectively. Arthur warned the public to wear masks, limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention for breathing difficulties.

Malaysia remains committed to expanding cross-border cloud seeding operations, including cooperation with Indonesia, as the issue of cross-border haze was also addressed at the ASEAN level. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) has developed the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to enhance cross-border haze forecasts, which has been accepted by the ASEAN Secretariat.