Subang: Cloud seeding carried out by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) over the Bukit Merah Dam in Perak, which is experiencing critical water levels, proved successful when heavy rainfall was reported just 45 minutes after the operation was conducted today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also took part in the aerial operation, said the cloud seeding was conducted in response to a severe water supply crisis affecting local communities and agricultural areas. The water level at the dam had dropped to just 12.21 per cent, or 19.8 feet in depth, due to prolonged dry weather brought on by the Southwest Monsoon.
Reports from the surrounding areas, especially padi fields and domestic water needs, clearly show an urgent need for cloud seeding by NADMA. Reports from the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) also confirm the validity of this request. Ahmad Zahid was speaking at a press conference after participating in the cloud seeding operation alongside NADMA director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and MetMalaysia deputy director-general (strategy and technical) Mohd Zunaidi Mat.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, said MetMalaysia had identified suitable cloud formations moving in from the Straits of Melaka as targets for the operation. A Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft was used in the operation, carrying 6,000 litres of chemicals stored in four tanks, which were released into the clouds. This effort is intended to help restore irrigation for padi fields, fisheries, tourism, and water mitigation functions in the area.
He also expressed concern over rising heat levels nationwide, with several areas recording extreme heat for three consecutive days, including Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Selama (Perak), Temerloh (Pahang), Limbang (Sarawak), and Tenom and Pitas (Sabah). MetMalaysia, together with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), is closely monitoring high-risk areas and other dam zones that may require similar intervention. The focus is on critical areas that supply water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. This operation is based on actual need after on-ground monitoring is carried out, especially when water levels fall below 30 per cent.