Nadma to carry out cloud seeding operations in four states - Zahid

PUTRAJAYA - The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will carry out four series of cloud seeding operations (OPA) in Perak, Kedah, Perlis, and Johor, from April 6 to 9, as a proactive measure to increase water levels in dams affected by prolonged hot weather.

Deputy Prime Minister and chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee (JPBP), Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the operations are being implemented following the hot weather phenomenon, currently affecting several areas, due to the monsoon transition, which began on March 29, and is expected to continue until May.

"Although this period brings the formation of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the western parts of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, several areas remain at high risk of experiencing Level One and Level Two heatwaves, with temperatures reaching between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.

"These conditions have not significantly helped to increase dam water levels, thereby affecting water resources and the agricultural sector, and also impacting the daily lives of the people, particularly vulnerable groups in rural and interior areas,” he said in a statement today.

Zahid said the cloud seeding operations will be carried out in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which will provide C-130 Hercules aircraft, while the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) will coordinate the technical and scientific aspects of the operations.

The cloud-seeding operations will focus on 11 dams: Timah Tasoh dam in Perlis; Ahning, Pedu and Muda dams in Kedah; Temenggor and Bukit Merah dams in Perak; and Lebam, Upper Layang, Lower Layang, Gunung Pulai and Machap dams in Johor.

"This measure is a proactive effort to restore water levels affected by prolonged hot weather.

"In addition, the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) must identify the best methods as part of a medium-term strategy, including identifying water catchment areas during the rainy season, for use during periods of hot weather,” he said.

Zahid said that as part of disaster preparedness measures, the JPBN has also been instructed to ensure that the State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC) is activated and strengthened, to ensure that decisions made are based on technical information and data-driven analysis.

He added that all relevant agencies must channel information to the SDCC for coordination and recording, including data on dam water levels, raw water supply, soil moisture levels in critical areas, landslide-prone zones, flood-prone areas, and other related information.

"The JPBN must act early, by identifying the needs of the people, as well as the agricultural and commercial sectors, such as delivering emergency water supplies via tanker lorries to areas experiencing critical water disruptions, and submitting requests for the implementation of cloud seeding operations to more effectively increase dam water levels.

"The JPBN must also identify the best methods as part of a medium-term strategy, including identifying alternative water catchment areas during the rainy season, for use during periods of hot weather,” he said.

He added that Nadma needs to conduct a comprehensive assessment, based on findings from the JPBN and the SDCC, to develop a long-term mitigation plan and identify the best solutions for managing disasters in the future.

At the same time, Zahid said that all government agencies must intensify efforts to ensure that their respective target groups are not adversely affected, particularly in sectors such as food supply, agriculture, public health, education, entrepreneurship, livestock, and others expected to be impacted.

He also urged the public to use water prudently and to always comply with the authorities’ instructions.

"In any situation, the government’s principle is clear: the safety and well-being of the people remain the highest priority, and the government will continue to ensure that no one is left behind or forced to face this situation alone,” he said. - BERNAMA