Sarawak has launched a three-day cloud seeding operation to replenish water levels at key hydroelectric dams and help ease worsening haze ahead of an expected hotter and drier spell in October.
The operation began on Thursday, with the first day focusing on Batang Ai dam in the Sri Aman division, as well as the Bakun and Murum dams in northern Sarawak.
The remaining two days will target 13 critical water catchment areas across the Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit and Limbang divisions.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said the operation was being carried out proactively to raise reservoir levels while suitable weather conditions remained.
“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 operation.
Uggah, who chairs the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said water levels at several reservoirs were lower than usual but remained under control. Sarawak Energy Berhad is continuing to closely monitor the situation.
Besides replenishing water supplies, authorities hope the rainfall generated through the operation will help clear airborne pollutants and reduce haze levels.
The operation is Sarawak’s third cloud seeding exercise this year, following similar operations in May and June. An RMAF C-130 aircraft is being used to carry four steel tanks containing 7,200 litres of salt solution.
Meteorologist Mohd Ridzuan Adam said crews would target towering cumulus clouds at altitudes of between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, with the salt solution sprayed directly into moisture-rich cloud formations.
Rain can typically develop within one to three hours after seeding, although prevailing weak southwesterly winds could delay the process.
“We cannot guarantee rain immediately after seeding, but we will continue operations whenever suitable cloud formations are identified,” Ridzuan said, adding that clear skies or dry clouds could not be seeded.
As air quality continues to deteriorate, the SDMC has urged the public, particularly children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups, to take necessary health precautions.
