Immediate cloud seeding at seven dams to avert potential water woes, says Zahid

A file picture of cloud seeding being carried out over Teluk Bahang dam on May 4. Photo provided by PBAPP

PUTRAJAYA: Cloud seeding will be carried out immediately to avert potential water woes due to the hot spell, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the cloud seeding would be done at catchment areas for seven dams where the water level has receded.

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They are Sungai Muda and Sungai Kedah, Sungai Melaka, Sungai Kelantan, Sungai Klang, Sungai Bernam and Sungai Similajau.

“The Armed Forces and MetMalaysia will work together to execute the exercise.

“This will be done soon so that the people whose water sources come from these dams will not have to suffer from water shortages,” he said after chairing the National Disaster Committee meeting on Tuesday (May 16).

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Ahmad Zahid said although the water level of these dams had not reached critically low levels, the government wants cloud seeding to be done now.

“I will be visiting Sungai Muda this evening (Tuesday) to have a look at the cloud seeding plans,” he said.

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The Malaysian Water and Energy Research Association had said that with the El Nino weather phenomenon to begin soon, the government should act now to avoid a water crisis, including checking on dam water levels and raw water availability.

The Deputy Prime Minister also said the National Water Service Commission had been tasked to work with water operators and local authorities on the best way to distribute domestic use of water should there be a shortage.

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He also said Malaysia will also be coordinating with authorities from a neighbouring country to address the issue of cross border haze.

“This is to allow us to take early scientific measures immediately to tackle the issue,” he said.

To address open burning issues, more than 100 tube wells have been installed, especially in peat soil areas.

“This will allow firemen to put out fires fast as there are water sources available,” he added.