IPOH: The recent cloud seeding operation conducted over Bukit Merah Dam has led to a slight improvement in water levels, but irrigation supply to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme remains suspended due to ongoing drought conditions.
Perak water committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the operation was carried out on Aug 4 following prolonged dry weather brought on by the Southwest Monsoon, which has severely affected catchment areas in Bagan Serai.
“Bukit Merah Dam had reached its irrigation supply cut-off level of 6.096m (20feet) on July 22 due to the lack of rainfall.
“According to standard operating procedures, irrigation supply was halted to prioritise raw water needs,” he said in a statement Tuesday (Aug 5).
Mohammad Nizar said the cloud seeding exercise was led by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), with support from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), and other related agencies.
He said Deputy Prime Minister and National Disaster Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was present to observe the operation via an aerial monitoring flight over the dam.
“According to the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), the operation brought effective rainfall to several catchment areas between 12pm and 2pm, with increased water inflow recorded at the Pondok Tanjung Station from 3pm onwards.
“As of 8am on Aug 5, the water level at the dam rose from 6.035m to 6.096m. Its storage capacity also increased from 12.2% to 13.31%,” he said.
He added that despite the improvement, the dam’s status remains at the irrigation cut-off level.
“DID said the increased storage would help extend domestic water supply, but irrigation to padi fields under the Kerian scheme could not yet be resumed.
“The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure water supply remains at a safe and sustainable level,” he added.
