KUCHING, Sept 12: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is preparing to carry out cloud-seeding (OPA) operations in Sarawak, today.
Over the last few days, Air Pollution Index (API) readings in some parts of the state have reached very unhealthy levels due to smog from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia.
According to MetMalaysia official Facebook page, the cloud-seeding operations will be conducted together with the Royal Malaysian Air Force, Labuan Water Department and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
MetMalaysia has warned that hot temperatures will prevail for another week, and the monsoon season is not expected to arrive until the end of September or early October.
Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee secretariat Major Ismail Mahedin from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force said in a statement, that the Hercules C-130 aircraft will take off from Labuan this afternoon.
Locations identified for cloud seeding are Kuching, Samarahan, Serian, Sri Aman and Betong.
Meanwhile, API level as at 12 noon today recorded Sri Aman at an unhealty level of 156.
Other areas that recorded moderate readings are Kuching (80), Samarahan (68), Sibu (69), SK Baram (62), Mukah (66), Miri (64), Bintulu (70), Samalaju (63), Kapit (63), Limbang (58), Sarikei (72) and ILP Miri (61).
Total number of hotspots in Kalimantan has doubled up to 1,605 as compared to 736 yesterday, while Sumatera recorded 637 and Sarawak (5). — DayakDaily
