JOHOR BARU: Cloud seeding operations in Johor on Tuesday (Oct 20) focused specifically on two key areas: the stretch between Yong Peng (Batu Pahat) and Machap (Kluang), as well as the area from Mersing to Kota Tinggi.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the operation aims to stimulate rainfall, thereby helping to reduce the concentration of haze particles in the air.
He noted that the operation utilised an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft that departed from the Subang Air Force Base in Selangor carrying eight tonnes of sodium chloride (salt) as the cloud-seeding agent.
"I had the opportunity to personally join the operation alongside the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and RMAF's No. 20 Squadron also known as 'The Rainmaker' in our efforts to address the haze issue," he shared in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Ling remarked that participating in the flight provided a firsthand look at the efficiency, expertise and commitment of the RMAF and MetMalaysia personnel in executing an operation that demands meticulous planning, inter-agency coordination and specific weather conditions.
He added that the state government views the haze issue which can compromise air quality, public health and the well-being of the people with great seriousness; consequently, the state government will continue to strengthen its collaboration with federal agencies to manage the situation.
"My deepest appreciation goes to MetMalaysia, Nadma, CAAM and all personnel of the Air Force's No. 20 Squadron for their cooperation, commitment and dedication in planning, coordinating and successfully executing this 61st mission," he said.
Seven areas in Johor recorded 'unhealthy' Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, with Larkin registering the highest reading of 158 as of 7pm on Tuesday. – Bernama
