SERDANG: Cloud-seeding operations will be conducted in areas affected by haze, particularly those recording Air Pollutant Index (API) readings above 150, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
He said the operation was necessary to help prevent water supply disruptions in states where dam levels were declining.
“This is necessary as we are aware that many dams have shown a decline in water levels in certain areas,” he said after launching Laman Usahawan Desa@Malaysia at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show here yesterday.
However, Ahmad Zahid said cloud seeding would only be carried out when weather conditions were suitable, as the presence of clouds alone did not guarantee rainfall in affected areas.
“Cloud seeding will be carried out not only according to need but also based on current weather conditions.
“This is because even if clouds are present, we need to monitor their movement to determine whether they are moving towards the affected areas,” he said.
He added that the operations would be conducted in collaboration with the Meteorological Department and Royal Malaysian Air Force.
On Malaysians affected by the floods in Nepal, Ahmad Zahid said 91 were involved, with 55 in Nepal and the remainder in China, while the Foreign Ministry continued to coordinate efforts to obtain the latest information.
He said Malaysia was also prepared to deploy a team of trained personnel and the necessary equipment to assist affected areas.
“We are actually on standby because we have those who are trained and also sufficient equipment that we can send to areas that require assistance,” he added.
