Malaysia Launches Cloud Seeding Operation to Combat Hazardous Haze in Sarawak

Malaysia began a three day cloud seeding operation on Thursday in the state of Sarawak to reduce hazardous haze and replenish water reserves. The operation targets three hydroelectric dams, including Batang Ai, Bakun, and Murum, as well as 13 water catchment areas. Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas stated that the effort aims to increase water levels ahead of expected hotter and drier weather in October.

The operation involves the air force, the National Disaster Management Agency, and the Malaysian Meteorological Department. A C 130 aircraft is used to release a saline solution into clouds at altitudes between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. Officials noted that the process requires suitable cloud formations and atmospheric conditions to be effective.

The haze is caused by smoke from forest and land fires in Indonesia, specifically in Kalimantan and Sumatra. In Sarawak, air quality reached dangerous levels on Thursday, with seven locations recording Air Pollutant Index readings above 300. The town of Serian recorded the worst reading at 475. In Indonesia, approximately 1.43 million students across six provinces have shifted to online learning due to the poor air quality.

Environmental conditions have been exacerbated by a prolonged dry spell and the El Nino phenomenon. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Forestry estimated that around 200,000 hectares of land had burned nationwide by the end of July. Malaysia has requested permission from Jakarta to conduct cloud seeding operations within Indonesian airspace to further address the crisis.