We support Johor cloud seeding, says S’pore

JOHOR BARU: Singapore says it is surprised by Johor state exco member Datuk Hasni Mohammad’s claims that the republic did not allow cloud seeding operations over the Sungai Lebam and Layang dams.

In a media statement released yesterday, the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore here said the claim was baseless.

It also rubbished another claim by Hasni on Thursday that cloud seeding was not allowed as it was deemed to be encroaching into Singapore’s territory.

Consul Gavin Yap said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore had always worked closely with Malaysia’s Department of Civil Aviation to facilitate various flight activities.

“Singapore has not been approach­­ed recently on the cloud seeding operations, whether by DCA or any other Malaysian agencies.

“If Datuk Hasni has information indicating otherwise, he should share it with Singapore so that we can look into the matter,” he added.

Yap said Singapore fully supported cloud seeding efforts in Johor, especially during this dry spell, and had previously offered to assist in such efforts to fight forest fires.

He said Singapore’s water agency PUB also cooperated closely with its Malaysian and Johor counterparts.