Cloud seeding operations will be conducted over dams and their surrounding areas in Penang and Perak on Tuesday and Wednesday, as announced in the Dewan Rakyat.
Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the Women, Family and Community Development Minister, specified the targeted locations to include areas near the Teluk Bahang and Air Itam dams in Penang, as well as the Bukit Merah dam in Perak.
With water levels documented at 80% for Teluk Bahang dam, 37% for Air Itam dam, and 80% for Bukit Merah dam, Nancy highlighted the importance of these cloud seeding efforts in addressing receding water levels in the dams.
She mentioned that the success of the cloud seeding operations would rely heavily on conducive atmospheric conditions, such as high humidity and optimal wind speeds among other factors.
Nancy emphasized that state governments looking to carry out such operations should submit proposals to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), with evaluations on suitability to be conducted by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
Responding to queries by Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa, who inquired about government preparations for the impending hot season, Nancy noted that MetMalaysia had earlier issued Level 1 heatwave warnings for northern states in the peninsula.
These warnings are issued when temperatures range between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days at a specific location.
Subsequent to the issuance of such warnings, another Level 1 heatwave advisory was issued for 11 locations spanning Perlis, Kedah, Penang, and Perak on February 26.
Perlis has been entirely placed under a Level 1 heatwave warning, with various areas in Kedah, Penang, and Perak also affected by the advisory.
Aside from weather-related updates, Nancy shared that approximately RM168.959 million in cash assistance had been disbursed through the Bantuan Wang Ihsan (BWI) program to assist victims of natural disasters during the 2022/23 north-east monsoon.
This aid was distributed to 168,959 heads of households, with each recipient receiving RM1,000 in relief.
