SUBANG: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) are conducting cloud seeding operations in the Teluk Bahang Dam and Air Itam Dam water catchment areas in Penang today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that the cloud seeding operations in Penang today were due to the water levels at the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang Dam being less than sufficient.
"The cloud seeding operation is done as the water levels at the Air Itam Dam is at 48.6 per cent and 44.4 per cent at Teluk Bahang.
"This is below the favourable water level of 50 per cent."
He said that a similar operation was carried out last month in the area where it yielded rain.
He also added that the operation was also a proactive approach carried out between several agencies namely Nadma, MetMalaysia, RMAF and the Penang state government.
"The cloud seeding operation today will also be a proactive approach for us to not wait until the peak of the hot and dry weather season.
"It will also be a two-pronged objective whereby it will ensure that not only the water dam levels are sufficient but also helps lessen the impact of the weather towards agriculture."
Armizan also said that any state governments could make an assessment for cloud seeding operations to be held at their respective states.
"State governments can submit their assessments to Nadma for cloud seeding operations in their water catchment area.
"This request will then be assessed by MetMalaysia where it will then be commenced immediately."
On May 16, the government said cloud seeding operations in catchment areas where water levels are expected to drop due to the hot weather would be carried out.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the operations would be carried out in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), focusing on seven dam areas. They are Sungai Muda, Sungai Kedah, Sungai Melaka, Sungai Kelantan, Sungai Klang, Sungai Bernam and Sungai Similajau.
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