SUBANG JAYA: The cloud seeding operation across two northern states, Kedah and Perlis, has shown positive results, with induced rainfall and rising water levels, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also chairman of the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), said based on data from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the operation which commenced on Monday (April 6), recorded rainfall distribution in Perlis ranging from 29.8mm to 34.7mm between 7pm and 8pm Monday (April 6).
“Meanwhile, Kedah recorded between 9.3mm and 30.9mm during the same period, with confirmed precipitation of 13.5mm at Pedu, 6.0mm to 49.0mm at Muda, and 2.0mm to 4.0mm at Ahning.
“The rainfall then became more widespread, covering all target areas in Kedah and Perlis between 6pm and 8pm,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday (April 7) at the Subang Airbase.
The operation focuses on 11 major dams classified as being at alert, warning and critical levels, involving three northern states, Perak, Kedah and Perlis, as well as the southern state of Johor, from April 6 to 8.
Four rounds of operations will be concentrated at the Timah Tasoh dam (Perlis); the Ahning, Pedu and Muda dams (Kedah); the Temenggor and Bukit Merah dams (Perak); and the Lebam, Upper Layang, Lower Layang, Gunung Pulai and Machap dams (Johor).
Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said that high humidity levels and the potential formation of towering cumulus clouds were also taken into account to ensure the effectiveness of the operation in producing rainfall over the target areas.
“For the cloud seeding operation, MetMalaysia mixed salt with water to create a solution. Four tanks of this mixture were then loaded onto a Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft, which flew at a set altitude to release the solution into clouds.
“The salt helps clouds form raindrops more quickly, leading to rainfall. Usually, rain can fall within 30 to 60 minutes after this process, and MetMalaysia continues to monitor the results using weather data and rainfall measurements.
“The rain generated from this cloud seeding operation not only helps to alleviate the hot weather but also contributes to increasing dam water levels,” he said.
He added that the depletion of water in dams affects not only the domestic supply but also the agricultural sector, particularly paddy irrigation, as well as fisheries and tourism.
“Failure to address this issue effectively could trigger a chain reaction impacting food supply, the income of rural communities, and the stability of local ecosystems.
“In this regard, I hope that these efforts will ensure the continuity and security of water supply for domestic, agricultural and industrial use, without disruption,” he said.
