KUCHING: Sarawak has launched a second cloud seeding operation to boost water levels at the state’s major dams and catchment areas affected by prolonged hot and dry weather.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the operation, which began today (June 19), was carried out after water supply conditions in several areas showed little improvement despite a similar exercise conducted in early May.
He said the affected areas included the Bakun, Murum, Bengoh and Batang Ai dams, as well as water catchment areas in Gerugu, Simunjan, Matang and Kelalong.
“With the current situation yet to improve, the Sarawak Government requested the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to carry out another cloud seeding operation, and we greatly appreciate their assistance,” he said during a press conference on the operation at the Kuching Air Base today, as reported by TVS.
Uggah, who is also the Chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), said the first cloud seeding operation in early May had yielded positive results, particularly in Batang Ai, although challenges remained in Bakun.
He said the latest operation would run for three days, with coverage expanded to all major water catchment areas to help secure the state’s water supply and electricity generation capacity.
“We need water levels at these locations to rise again as Bakun, Murum and Batang Ai are crucial sources of electricity generation, while the other areas serve as reservoirs for treated water supply,” he said.
Uggah expressed hope that the operation would help replenish water levels in affected areas and ease pressure on water and energy resources amid the continuing hot and dry conditions.
