By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 30: Sarawak is considering cloud seeding in early September should the current haze situation persist, says Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh.
He said the haze was understood to be originating from West Kalimantan, Indonesia, with engagement taking place at both the State and federal levels on efforts to help ease the situation.
“Indeed, we have engagement from Sarawak. At the federal level, there are also discussions on how we can quickly provide assistance to help alleviate the situation,” he told reporters after an event here today.
Len said the proposed cloud seeding operation remained under consideration and would depend on how the haze situation developed.
He said cloud seeding would not only help reduce the haze but could also increase water storage in dams and reservoirs.
“The water supply for the people as a whole is still under control,” he said.
He added that authorities would continue monitoring the haze and assess the most appropriate measures to mitigate its impact.
On the worsening Air Pollutant Index (API), Len advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, particularly when readings reach between 300 and 400.
He also urged high-risk groups and senior citizens to wear masks and limit outdoor activities to protect their health.
“We advise especially those in high-risk groups and senior citizens to take the best measures to ensure their health is protected, including wearing masks and reducing outdoor activities,” he said.
He also urged the public to avoid open burning, saying the haze situation in Sarawak remained under control and efforts must continue to prevent API readings from rising further.
On assistance to Indonesia, he said Sarawak was prepared to offer whatever assistance it could provide according to its capacity if requested.
“We will offer whatever assistance according to our capacity. But this is if we are requested to provide assistance,” he said.
On how long the haze might persist, Len said the matter should be referred to the Meteorological Department.
He said an initial report indicated the situation could continue until December, although intermittent rain was expected during the period.
He expressed hope that rainfall would help improve the haze situation. — DayakDaily
