KANGAR, April 13 — Cloud seeding operations (CSO) conducted at 12 locations in five states in the peninsula today, only managed to produce rain at the Gemencheh catchment area in Negri Sembilan.
According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim, dams in Timah Tasoh (Perlis); Muda, Pedu, Beris and Ahning (Kedah); Air Hitam and Teluk Bahang (Penang); Bukit Merah (Perak); and Durian Tunggal, Jus and Asahan (Melaka), failed to receive rainfall.
“Clouds suitable for cloud seeding are not always available. So, tomorrow, we will continue with CSOs in all the areas,” he told Bernama when contacted tonight.
Shahidan, who is also National Security Council deputy chairman, said the operations were carried out in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the science, technology and innovation ministry.
He said the 12 areas were chosen because the water levels in the dams were at critical level due to the dry spell which hit the country.
Perlis Drainage and Irrigation Department director Abdul Najib Abdullah when contacted, said the water level at the Timah Tasoh Dam continued to decline.
He said readings today showed the water level had dropped to 26.26 metres, 0.03 metres lower than yesterday. The critical level is 26.50m.
Perlis Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man yesterday said water rationing for domestic usage would be imposed if there was no rainfall until Friday, or if the water level at the Timah Tasoh Dam reached 26.20m. — Bernama
