PBAPP: Cloud seeding must go on in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The water situation in Penang is still not safe as the level at the dams has not reached 60% even with the recent cloud seeding operations.

Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said that cloud seeding should continue until the effects of El Nino taper off at the end of June.

“Both the Teluk Bahang and Air Itam dams must reach the 60% mark. Right now, it’s hovering at around 50%,” he said when commenting on the recent cloud seeding operation which was successfully carried out on Friday in the northern states.

He said the water levels at the Muda and Beris dams in Kedah were presently around 30%.

A statement on the portal of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry revealed that cloud seeding had brought rain to the Timah Tasoh dam in Perlis, the Beris and Ahning dams in Kedah and the Teluk Bahang and Air Itam dams in Penang.

“The Federal Government should not let up on the cloud seeding ope­rations as the dry weather is expected to continue throughout June,” said Jaseni.

He added that if cloud seeding was stopped now, the level in all the dams would drop and it could create a major issue early next year even if it rained after June.