Focus on major dams in three-day cloud seeding operation

KUCHING: Sarawak’s major dams are the focus of a three-day cloud seeding operation aimed at boosting water reserves amid the impact of the El Nino phenomenon.

The fourth series of the 2026 Sarawak Cloud Seeding Operation, which began today and runs until Saturday, is being conducted over two zones identified by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia).

The operation targets several key dams, including Bakun, Murum, Bengoh and Batang Ai, where sufficient rainfall is needed to prevent water levels from reaching critical levels.

On the first day, the operation focused on Zone A, covering the Bakun and Murum dams in Belaga, as well as Sika and Assyakirin dams in the Bintulu area.

A flight was also conducted over Zone B, covering Batang Ai and Bengoh dams, for reconnaissance ahead of cloud seeding operations there tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 9).

Cloud seeding was not carried out in Zone B initially due to the possibility of the seeded clouds moving into Indonesian airspace over Kalimantan.

The operation in Zone B tomorrow will therefore take into account the findings from today’s reconnaissance flight.

Operational flights are scheduled between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, based on Precipitable Water data provided by METMalaysia.

Today’s operation began with the preparation of salt solution in four 1,500-litre water tanks before the material was loaded onto a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft.

METMalaysia and the RMAF also conducted an operational briefing to coordinate the three-day cloud seeding exercise, which runs from Oct 8 to 10.

The operation involves the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), METMalaysia, Sarawak Water, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS) and RMAF.