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๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Environment & Climate

Nadma conducts cloud seeding over five critical dams

From Utusan Malaysia · (12h ago) Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Malaysia's National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) is conducting cloud seeding operations over five critical dams in Kedah and Perlis.
  • The operation aims to replenish water levels in dams that have reached alert and critical stages due to receding water.
  • Cloud seeding involves dispersing salt solutions from aircraft to encourage rainfall, with operations scheduled in two phases.

In response to the alarming depletion of water levels in key reservoirs, Malaysia's National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has initiated crucial cloud seeding operations over five critical dams in the northern states of Kedah and Perlis. This proactive measure underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding water security amidst growing concerns about the impact of the current dry spell.

OPA dilaksanakan di Kedah dan Perlis sebagai langkah segera mendepani situasi penyusutan paras air empangan yang kini berada pada tahap waspada dan kritikal.

โ€” NadmaNadma's statement explaining the immediate need for cloud seeding operations in Kedah and Perlis due to critical dam water levels.

The targeted dams โ€“ Timah Tasoh in Perlis, and Ahning, Pedu, Beris, and Muda in Kedah โ€“ are vital for both agricultural and domestic water supply in the region. The decision to implement cloud seeding, a process designed to induce rainfall by dispersing salt solutions into the atmosphere, reflects the urgency of the situation. Nadma's swift action, involving technical teams from the Malaysian Meteorological Department and utilizing Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 aircraft, demonstrates a coordinated effort to mitigate potential water shortages.

OPA juga diberi taklimat pelaksanaan kawasan operasi sebagai persediaan sebelum penerbangan.

โ€” NadmaNadma's confirmation that the cloud seeding operation team received briefings before flights.

While recent rainfall in the northern areas has been noted, its contribution to the dam levels has been minimal, highlighting the severity of the water deficit. The operations, conducted in two phases from May 10-12 and May 17-19, 2026, are a critical intervention to bolster the water supply and prevent further deterioration. The potential consequences of failing to address this issue could be severe, impacting not only daily water needs but also the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of the local economy.

Operasi pada hari ini yang membawa muatan 4 tong bersamaan 6,000 liter larutan garam menggunakan pesawat C-130 milik TUDM

โ€” NadmaDetails about the equipment and aircraft used in the cloud seeding operation.

From a Malaysian perspective, water management, especially in the face of unpredictable weather patterns influenced by climate change, is a matter of national importance. Cloud seeding is a recognized, albeit sometimes debated, tool in the water management arsenal. Nadma's deployment of this technology showcases Malaysia's efforts to leverage scientific solutions to address environmental challenges and ensure the well-being of its citizens and the sustainability of its key industries. The success of these operations will be closely watched, as they represent a vital effort to secure essential resources for the nation's northern regions.

Keadaan ini dikhuatiri boleh mengakibatkan bekalan air bagi sektor pertanian serta penggunaan domestik di kawasan utara terjejas.

โ€” NadmaNadma's concern about the potential impact of low water levels on agriculture and domestic use in the northern region.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.