Four-day cloud-seeding op starts April 6 to raise dam water levels in West M’sia

PUTRAJAYA (April 6): The government will implement cloud-seeding operations (OPA) from today until Thursday (April 9) to raise water levels of major dams and reduce the impact of the current hot weather in several states.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said this measure is being taken following the weather status report as of yesterday, which showed that Kota Setar in Kedah is currently at Level 2 (heat wave), with daily maximum temperature exceeding 37 to 40 degrees Celcius for at least three consecutive days.

He said several areas in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Pahang and Johor have also been placed under Level 1 (alert) status following daily maximum temperatures of between 35 and 37 degrees Celcius for three consecutive days.

Following this, he said the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability (NRES), through the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), will conduct the OPA to address the challenges posed by hot weather conditions in the country.

“The implementation of the OPA, which is scheduled from today until April 9, will specifically focus on major dams situated in Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Johor to ensure the continued supply of water for domestic and agricultural use,” he said in a statement today.

Arthur said the main objective of this series of operations is to raise water levels at strategic dams and to help provide moisture to the ecosystem, thereby reducing the risk of forest and peatland fires.

“However, the ministry would like to emphasise that the success of this operation depends on conducive atmospheric conditions, especially the presence of suitable cumulus clouds and low wind speeds,” he said.

He said the MetMalaysia technical team would continuously monitor weather conditions to determine the exact target locations that could have the greatest impact on the affected areas.

As such, Arthur advised the public to continue taking precautionary measures by reducing outdoor activities in the afternoon, ensuring sufficient water intake, and using personal protection, such as hats, caps or umbrellas, when in the scorching heat.

Everyone is also urged to use water prudently and to avoid open burning to maintain air quality and environmental sustainability. – Bernama