Cloud-seeding operations are expected to be conducted from September 3 to 5 to help address Sarawak’s worsening haze and water shortage, said Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah, who is also chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had forecast weather conditions that could support the operation.
A meeting will be held tomorrow to finalise the details, with reservoirs operated by Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) set to receive priority due to their importance to the state’s electricity supply.
“After that, we will focus on water treatment plant reservoirs where levels are critically low, followed by other areas in need,” he said during a press conference today.
Uggah said the Rural Water Supply Department had reported that four water treatment plants had been forced to stop operations because of critically low water levels.
The affected plants are located in Simunjan in the Samarahan division, Lingga in Sri Aman, Spaoh in Betong and Lichok in Roban.
He said these four locations would be among the key targets of the cloud-seeding operation, provided weather conditions remain suitable.
However, Uggah stressed that cloud seeding could not be carried out at any time as the operation required suitable cloud formations.
Meanwhile, he said Air Pollutant Index (API) readings recorded at 10am today showed fluctuating air quality across Sarawak, with several locations recording unhealthy to hazardous levels.
The SDMC, Department of Environment and Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board will continue monitoring the haze, including smoke from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which is being carried into Sarawak by prevailing winds.
Asked about the possibility of declaring an emergency if the API reaches 500, Uggah said such a decision would have to be made by the Federal Government and was not within the state government’s authority.
He added that any emergency declaration would apply only to the affected locality and would not automatically cover the entire state.
