PASIR MAS: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is prepared to consider cloud seeding operations to address possible prolonged dry weather caused by the Super El Nino phenomenon.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the water level at Pedu Dam, one of Kedah's three main dams, was still satisfactory, but continuous monitoring was necessary to ensure sufficient water for the agricultural sector.
He said cloud seeding could be carried out if suitable cloud formations were present to induce rainfall, particularly if dry conditions persisted.
"Cloud seeding has been carried out several times. If there are no clouds at all, it will not produce rain. There must be some clouds before we can conduct the operation," he told reporters after presenting padi crop insurance scheme assistance at Bendang Belukar here on Wednesday (Nov 4).
Mohamad said his ministry would work with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to assess the need for cloud seeding and ensure early preparations were made to address possible water shortages.
He said that in an emergency, water supply might have to be prioritised for domestic use, while irrigation for padi fields could be temporarily suspended. Farmers and vegetable growers had also been briefed on preparations for potentially prolonged dry weather.
Meanwhile, Mohamad directed the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority to increase fish stocks to ensure adequate supplies if Super El Nino affected the country's fishing activities.
He said temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius could affect fishing, particularly among coastal fishermen operating within five kilometres of the shoreline, as hot weather could cause fish to move further out to sea.
"We are increasing fish stocks as part of our preparations. The department has been directed to build up supplies so that, in the event of a shortage, frozen fish can be released to the public," he said.
Mohamad said the government would continue monitoring the country's food supply and take appropriate measures to ensure public needs were met.
Malaysia is potentially expected to experience hotter and drier weather towards the end of the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon, particularly from late January to March next year, due to the anticipated Super El Nino phenomenon, which could reduce rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves and drought. – Bernama
