KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has commended federal and Sarawak agencies for their commitment and cooperation in successfully carrying out five cloud seeding operations in Sarawak this year.
Uggah, who is also State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) chairman, said the operations reflected strong inter-agency cooperation in strengthening the state’s preparedness against extreme weather and safeguarding its water resources.
He said the operations required close coordination involving meteorological expertise, weather radar monitoring, aircraft and flight crews, airspace safety, logistical support, as well as monitoring of dams and water supplies.
Among the agencies involved were the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Sarawak Ministry of Utilities and Telecommunications (MUT), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Sarawak Water, Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS), and Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
“My highest appreciation goes to all the agencies and personnel involved. Everyone’s contributions, whether in technical expertise, coordination, logistics or ground and aerial operations, have been crucial to the success of this initiative,” he said, according to a news report in his official Facebook page.
He was speaking at the Appreciation Night for the 2026 Cloud Seeding Operations organised by SEB here on Tuesday night (Nov. 10).
Uggah said the hot weather and haze experienced this year, including Air Pollutant Index (API) readings that had exceeded 500, highlighted the need for continuous preparedness among JPBNS and relevant agencies.
He also stressed the importance of strengthening monitoring and preparedness in anticipation of the possibility of an El Niño phenomenon in the future.
He said cloud seeding operations should continue whenever necessary, subject to suitable weather and atmospheric conditions to ensure their effectiveness.
“The challenges ahead require us to remain prepared at all times. This spirit of cooperation must be maintained so that all agencies can act in a coordinated manner and continue cloud seeding operations whenever necessary,” he said.
Uggah described the collaboration as a whole-of-government approach, bringing together the expertise, resources and capabilities of Federal and State agencies in addressing disaster management challenges.
