KUALA LUMPUR: The cloud seeding operation (OPA) in Johor on Wednesday (April 22) showed positive developments when the state recorded rainfall between 5mm and 40mm as a result of the intervention.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the operation was conducted by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in collaboration with the air force to increase rainfall distribution in catchment areas affected by dry weather.
"Weather radar analysis showed that rain was detected as early as 5 pm. Although the operation was not conducted at the Machap Dam due to the absence of suitable clouds, overall, this operation is categorised as successful,” he posted on Facebook on Wednesday.
He said that through the third series of operations this year, the air force C130-Hercules aircraft that departed from the Subang Air Base at 3.10 pm targeted the Seluyut Dam, Lok Heng Cluster, Upper Layang, Lower Layang, Pulai and Lebam areas using a technique of dispersing salt solution into cumulus clouds at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet.
He said significant rainfall was recorded in Bukit Layang-layang (28.9mm), Johor Bahru (18.8mm), Felda Bukit Batu (5.1mm) and Labis (3.4mm).
"Thank you to the MetMalaysia and air force teams for their commitment to addressing water shortage issues in critical catchment areas for the well-being of the people. We will continue to monitor atmospheric conditions for further action, if necessary,” he said. - Bernama
