KUCHING: Sarawak is planning for a third series of cloud seeding operations soon to ease the hot, dry and hazy weather.
State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the mitigation measure is aimed at addressing prolonged hot and dry weather conditions that could affect water supply sources and worsen haze in several areas.
“The main focus will be on identified critical dam and water catchment areas, particularly those important for ensuring the continuity of water supply and maintaining dam levels.
“The implementation is subject to the availability of suitable clouds, atmospheric conditions and favourable meteorological factors,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
The mission will be carried out in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency.
Uggah said the Malaysian Meteorological Department would continue conducting technical analysis and assessments to determine the suitable locations, timing and atmospheric conditions before the operation is carried out.
He said the current hot, dry and hazy conditions had increased the risk of open burning and reduced air quality in several districts.
“Prolonged hot and dry weather could affect air quality, water supply sources and increase the risk of forest, peatland and open area fires.
“The JPBN and relevant agencies are continuously strengthening monitoring of weather developments, air pollution levels, hotspots, forest and peatland fires, as well as water supply status,” he added.
As of noon yesterday, nine locations recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Serian recording the highest at 182, followed by Kuching (171), Samarahan (170), Sri Aman (162), Sarikei (158), Mukah (151), Bintulu (151), Tebedu (150) and Lundu (102).
In TAIPING, Perak, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said schools at places with API readings exceeding 200 can be closed at the discretion of principals or headmasters.
He said the education authorities would monitor haze conditions and API readings regularly, while school administrators are responsible for making decisions based on local conditions.
“If API readings exceed 100, schools must suspend outdoor activities and gatherings.
“Outdoor sports events should also be postponed,” he told reporters after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Toyo Tyre Malaysia and UniMAP.
