{
  "id": 4516383,
  "title": "Cloud seeding planned for areas with high API readings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/cloud-seeding-planned-for-areas-with-high-api-readings",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T22:50:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/08/1522382/cloud-seeding-planned-areas-high-api-readings"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cloud seeding operations are being planned for regions with high Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Nadma, the Meteorological Department, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force are coordinating these efforts in areas with polluted air. Priority is given to locations where the API reading has reached 200 or higher. Zahid highlighted the need for such operations due to declining water levels in several dams and reservoirs. He emphasized that cloud seeding would depend on both necessity and suitability, as merely having clouds does not ensure they will reach the target areas. Even when clouds are present, their direction and whether they will move towards the intended locations must be considered. Data from the Department of Environment's API Management System showed that Sarawak has the worst API readings in the country. API readings range from zero to 50, indicating good air quality, 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and above 300, hazardous.",
  "summary": "Your browser does not support the audio element.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}