PETALING JAYA: Extreme heat continues to be registered in several parts of Malaysia, with four areas still seeing Level 1 Alerts after enduring daily maximum temperatures of between 35°C and 37°C for at least three consecutive days.
According to an update by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) yesterday, the areas are Jerantut in Pahang, Telupid in Sabah, as well as Jeli and Kuala Krai in Kelantan.
These four areas have been at this level since last week.
Temperatures at several areas in Perlis; Kubang Pasu, Pendang, Kota Setar and Padang Terap in Kedah; Kuala Kangsar and Hulu Perak in Perak; Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah and Machang in Kelantan; Kuala Lumpur; as well as Gombak, Petaling and Sepang in Selangor, have returned to normal temperature levels, a relief from the Level 1 situation faced last week.
In addition, Beaufort in Sabah, as well as Limbang in Sarawak, which were also at Level 1 last week, have recorded temperatures below 35°C as of yesterday.
Meanwhile, water levels at Muda Dam in Kedah and Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis remain critical, while Beris Dam is at a warning level.
According to data from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), storage at Beris Dam – one of three major dams feeding the vital Sungai Muda system – has dropped to 49.7% since last Saturday.
The situation has become increasingly critical as Muda Dam, now at just 8.22% capacity, can no longer release water into Sungai Muda due to severely depleted levels. The dam has been at critical levels since the end of January.
Timah Tasoh Dam’s capacity has also fallen to 29.57% as of Monday, down from 29.92% last month. The last time the dam was at full capacity was in early January.
Additionally, Ahning Dam and Malut Dam in Kedah; Jus Dam and Durian Tunggal Dam in Melaka; as well as five dams in Johor – Labong, Pontian Kechil, Gunung Pulai 2, Upper Layang and Sungai Lebam – are at alert levels.
With the El Nino phenomenon expected to affect Malaysia from June, there are no signs that the situation will ease anytime soon.
On Monday, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim asked MetMalaysia to expedite cloud seeding operations in places facing critical situations, particularly Kedah and Perlis, in view of the critical situation.
“I have instructed MetMalaysia to expedite its implementation, including exploring the use of drone technology and collaboration with various parties to address the shortage of suitable aircraft, to ensure the well-being of the people continues to be safeguarded,” said the Prime Minister.
Cloud seeding operations are being carried out in phases by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and MetMalaysia, with the latest operations conducted in Melaka and Johor for three days starting April 20.
