Malaysia to Launch Cloud Seeding in Four States Amid Heatwave Concerns

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia will undertake a series of cloud-seeding operations across four states next week in a bid to address declining dam water levels caused by prolonged hot weather.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will carry out four rounds of operations from April 6 to 9, covering Perak, Kedah, Perlis, and Johor.

The initiative comes as Malaysia faces a monsoon transition period that began on March 29 and is expected to last until May. Despite occasional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in parts of the country, several regions continue to experience high temperatures ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, raising concerns over water supply and agricultural sustainability.

Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, said the current weather conditions have not significantly improved water levels in key dams, affecting water resources, farming activities, and daily life—particularly for communities in rural and interior areas.

The cloud-seeding operations will be conducted in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which will deploy C-130 Hercules aircraft. Technical and scientific coordination will be handled by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

A total of 11 dams have been identified for the operation, including Timah Tasoh in Perlis; Ahning, Pedu, and Muda in Kedah; Temenggor and Bukit Merah in Perak; as well as Lebam, Upper Layang, Lower Layang, Gunung Pulai, and Machap in Johor.

Authorities say the move is part of a proactive strategy to boost water reserves and mitigate the impact of the ongoing heatwave on both the public and key economic sectors.