Zahid: Cloud seeding targets haze‑hit areas and dams with falling water levels

Seremban, August 30 - In response to the haze issue and falling water levels in dams, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced cloud seeding operations. These efforts are being carried out in partnership with the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The operations aim to prevent water supply disruptions during the hot weather.

According to Zahid, cloud seeding will be conducted in Putrajaya today, and will continue in Sarawak, Kedah, and Perlis from September 3 to 5. The technique involves releasing substances into the atmosphere to stimulate cloud formation and precipitation. However, the timing and location of these operations are not arbitrary. They are determined not just by the need but also by the weather conditions.

Even if clouds are present, meteorologists must closely monitor their movement to ensure they are heading towards the targeted areas. Three locations in Sarawak recorded hazardous Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 12:30 pm. The API reached 412 at the Serian Police headquarters monitoring station, 332 in Samarahan, and 304 in Kuching. In Sri Aman, the reading was a very unhealthy 228.