SUBANG: Five locations across the country experienced unusually hot temperatures for three consecutive days since Aug 1.
The situation raised concerns about the water levels, public health and the economy in rural communities.
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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that in areas such as Bandar Baharu in Kedah, Selama (Perak), Temerloh (Pahang), Limbang (Sarawak), as well as Tenom and Pitas in Sabah, temperatures ranged between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, reported Sinar Harian.
He said that, given the situation, the government has implemented a Cloud Seeding Operation (OPA) in the Bukit Merah Dam area, Gunung Semanggol, Perak, whose water level was at a critical level.
According to him, the water reservoir level in the dam was only 12.21% or 19.80 feet.
"I, along with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director general, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) deputy director general and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) have participated in this operation using a Charlie C-130 aircraft carrying approximately 6,000 litres of sodium chloride solution.
"The solution was sprayed on the towering cumulus clouds at an altitude of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet and within 45 minutes after spraying, heavy rain had occurred in the target area," he said at a press conference at RMAF Air Base Subang, on Monday (Aug 4).
"Bukit Merah Dam is not just a domestic water supplier but also supports agricultural, fishing, tourism and flood mitigation activities.
"If not dealt with immediately, this crisis could affect the food supply chain, the income of rural residents as well as the balance of the ecosystem," said Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee.
He said the extremely hot weather also increases the risk of haze due to forest fires.
"Air Pollution Index (API) readings have increased in some areas, and this has an impact on health, especially to those at risk such as children, the elderly and respiratory patients," he said.
He further commented that cloud seeding operations might also be carried out in other regions based on the monitoring by technical agencies, even if the state government does not explicitly request it.
"We don't just wait for requests. If a water source is at a critical level of 30% or below, cloud seeding will continue to be implemented proactively.
"In addition, the fire department has also been on standby with more than 3,300 tube wells in peatland areas to prevent forest fires due to extreme heat," he said.
He explained that the Southwest Monsoon was expected to continue until mid-October and all related agencies have been instructed to prepare for any eventuality.
"I ask the Health Department, MetMalaysia and Nadma always to share information with the public.
"At the same time, extracurricular activities at school must also be coordinated with the District Education Office to prevent health risks to students," he said.
