Malaysia to Intensify Cloud Seeding in Southern Region After Weak Initial Results

MELAKA: Malaysia will ramp up cloud seeding operations in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in Melaka, following underwhelming results from initial attempts, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Zahid explained that earlier cloud seeding efforts in Melaka had limited impact due to wind movements that shifted clouds away from targeted areas, reducing the effectiveness of rainfall generation.

“Information we received suggests that wind factors caused the clouds to drift away from the intended locations,” he said after attending the Melaka Sayang Rakyat Aidilfitri open house at the Tun Fatimah Stadium in Bukit Serindit.

To address this, authorities are preparing to conduct second and third rounds of cloud seeding in a bid to boost rainfall and improve water levels in the state’s reservoirs.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh had informed him that the additional operations would continue until conditions at dams improve, Zahid added.

The operations involve collaboration between several agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), and other relevant bodies.

Zahid stressed that the initiative is crucial in reducing Melaka’s reliance on external water sources such as Sungai Gersik in Muar, Johor, while ensuring a more stable local water supply.

Beyond Melaka, cloud seeding efforts have also begun in Johor following successful outcomes in other states, including Perlis, Kedah, and northern Perak.

“In those areas, we recorded rainfall increases ranging from 3.5mm to 10mm in targeted zones, which helped raise water levels in reservoirs,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the current water situation is temporary, adding that conditions are expected to improve by mid-May as ongoing efforts continue.