PUTRAJAYA: The government will implement a four-day cloud-seeding operation (OPA) to raise water levels of major dams and reduce the impact of the current hot weather in several states, says Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup (pic).
The Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability Minister said the measure is being taken following the latest weather status report, which showed that Kota Setar in Kedah is currently at Level 2 (heatwave) with daily maximum temperature exceeding 37ºC to 40ºC for at least three consecutive days.
He said several areas in Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Perak, Pahang and Johor have also been placed under Level 1 (alert) status following daily maximum temperatures of between 35ºC and 37ºC for three consecutive days.
Following this, he said the ministry, through the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), will conduct the OPA to address the challenges posed by hot weather conditions in the country.
The OPA started yesterday until Thursday.
“The implementation of the OPA will specifically focus on major dams situated in Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Johor to ensure the continued supply of water for domestic and agricultural use,” he said in a statement, Bernama reported.
He said the main objective of the operations is to raise water levels at strategic dams and to help provide moisture to the ecosystem, thereby reducing the risk of forest and peatland fires.
“However, the ministry would like to emphasise that the success of this operation depends on conducive atmospheric conditions, especially the presence of suitable cumulus clouds and low wind speeds,” he said.
He also said the MetMalaysia technical team is continuously monitoring weather conditions to determine the exact target locations that could have the greatest impact on the affected areas.
The minister urged the public to continue taking precautionary measures by reducing outdoor activities in the afternoon and ensuring sufficient water intake.
