Johor Bahru:Cloud seeding operations have been carried out in the Johor Bahru area to induce rainfall and help mitigate the haze, which is expected to persist for another two to three days. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general, Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, stated that the operation was initiated after the haze in Johor met the established criteria and conditions were favorable.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor was not initially included in this week's cloud seeding schedule, which was focused on northern Peninsular Malaysia. However, the operation was added in response to the worsening haze situation. Under haze-related procedures, cloud seeding is conducted when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 150 for three consecutive days, provided weather conditions are suitable.

Dr. Mohd Hisham explained that the monsoon transition period provides favorable conditions for cloud seeding, with humid air and a higher likelihood of rain clouds forming. This operation aims to ensure targeted areas receive rainfall.

The haze in Johor is expected to persist due to winds carrying smoke from fire-affected areas in Kalimantan, Indonesia. The situation is complicated by the lack of recent rainfall in those areas. Haze may recur even after cloud seeding if fires continue and winds carry smoke toward Johor.

MetMalaysia anticipates a shift in wind direction to the northeast within one to two weeks, possibly reducing the haze entering Johor. As of 9.30 am today, 20 locations nationwide recorded unhealthy air quality readings, including eight in Johor. The API readings in Johor were Pasir Gudang (181), Larkin (175), Kota Tinggi (169), Pengerang (166), Batu Pahat (161), Kluang (153), Tangkak (149), and Segamat (133).