KUCHING: Sarawak launched a three-day cloud seeding operation on Thursday to boost declining water levels at key hydroelectric dams and mitigate worsening haze conditions ahead of an expected dry spell next month.
The first day of the operation targeted the state's major hydroelectric dams—Batang Ai in the Sri Aman division, alongside the Bakun and Murum dams in the north. The remaining two days will cover 13 critical water catchment areas across the Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit, and Limbang divisions.
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Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said the proactive measures aim to replenish reservoirs before severe dry weather sets in.
"October might be hotter and drier. We want to increase the water levels as much as possible while we still can," Uggah told reporters at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Kuching, where he witnessed a C-130 aircraft take off for the mission.
Uggah, who chairs the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), noted that while water levels at several reservoirs are lower than usual, the situation remains under control. Utility company Sarawak Energy Berhad continues to monitor reservoir levels closely. Beyond securing water supplies, the rain is expected to clear airborne pollutants and alleviate haze.
The operation—the third conducted in Sarawak this year following similar exercises in May and June—involves an RMAF C-130 carrying four steel tanks filled with 7,200 litres of salt solution.
Meteorologist Mohd Ridzuan Adam explained that crews target towering cumulus clouds between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. Salt water is sprayed directly into moisture-rich formations, typically inducing rain within one to three hours. However, prevailing weak southwesterly winds can delay the process.
"We cannot guarantee rain immediately after seeding, but we will continue operations whenever suitable cloud formations are identified," Ridzuan said, noting that clear skies or dry clouds cannot be seeded.
With air quality deteriorating, the SDMC urged the public—particularly children, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals—to take precautionary health measures.
