Melaka: Four series of cloud-seeding operations, focusing on the southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, namely Melaka and Johor, will be carried out starting today until Thursday, April 23. Coordinated by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the operations aim to address the issues arising from hot and dry weather affecting water supply, agriculture, and safety in these regions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, NADMA has prioritized eight dams and two water treatment plants in Melaka and Johor to ensure the continuity of water supply to residents. The targeted areas in Melaka include the Durian Tunggal Dam, Jus Dam, and Asahan Dam. In Johor, the operations will focus on the Upper Layang Dam, Machap Dam, Seluyut Dam, Lebam Dam, Linggiu Dam, Lokheng WTP, and Gembut WTP. NADMA emphasized that the current water storage levels in these dams are at a cautious level, necessitating these operations.

NADMA has collaborated with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) to receive technical advice on the suitable atmospheric conditions for the cloud-seeding operations. This assessment is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the salt solution spraying activities, which are aimed at stimulating rain cloud formation.

The agency stated that this cloud-seeding intervention is crucial to prevent the water supply crisis from reaching a critical level by early May. By doing so, NADMA aims to ensure the stability of the water supply for the people of Melaka and Johor. The Royal Malaysian Air Force's C130 Hercules aircraft will be utilized throughout the operation.