KUCHING: Cloud Seeding Operations (OPA) in Sarawak have been extended until Sept 7 to target the catchment areas of Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum dams as water levels at the reservoirs remain low.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) Sarawak Director Khairul Najib Ibrahim said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) had approved a two-day extension, following the initial operations from Sept 3 to 5.
He said previous cloud seeding efforts had successfully triggered rainfall in several areas, including Murum, Bakun, Serian and Batang Ai, but the amount received remained below expectations.
“Rainfall did occur, but not in large quantities, as most of the cloud formations shifted sideways into the neighbouring country due to relatively strong winds at the time.
“Most of the clouds we seeded drifted across the border into the neighbouring country, so only a small portion fell over Batang Ai,” he said when met by reporters during the OPA at the Kuching Air Base here today.
Khairul said cloud and weather conditions had also affected the effectiveness of the operations, with some targeted areas receiving little or no rainfall.
He expressed hope that more favourable atmospheric conditions during the extended period would allow the operations to produce better results, particularly over dam catchment areas.
“We hope that over these two days, our operations will prove successful as we focus on the areas around Batang Ai and dam catchment areas across Sarawak to support our local industries as well as domestic and industrial consumption in Sarawak,” he added.
Also present was Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua, who inspected the OPA and observed the conditions at the affected dam sites.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy Vice President of Hydro Jonny Wong Kwei Ji said water levels at Murum Dam continued to decline, making the continuation of cloud seeding operations necessary.
He said Murum and Bakun dams were approaching Emergency Level 1, while Batang Ai Dam had already reached Emergency Level 3.
“Batang Ai Dam remains one of the primary targets of this operation due to its critical water level,” he said, noting that the dam recorded 98.19 metres above sea level (mASL).
