SDMC cloud seeding operations happening from Sept 3 to 5
- BT
- 45 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KUCHING, 3 September 2026: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is conducting cloud seeding operations across Sarawak from September 3 to 5, 2026, as part of the state government’s integrated measures to address hot and dry weather conditions and the deterioration of air quality caused by the ongoing haze.
This operation focuses on 3 electricity dams and 13 water catchment areas across 5 divisions, including Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit and Limbang. This cloud seeding operation aims to increase the likelihood of rainfall in areas where it’s needed, to help boost water inflow to dams and support water resource requirements for the domestic and industrial sectors. The resulting rainfall will also reduce the concentration of airborne pollutants, thereby supporting efforts to address air quality deterioration and the impact of haze.
Present at the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base in Kuching to review the implementation of cloud seeding operations was the Sarawak Deputy Premier and SDMC Chairman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who shared that the operation was implemented to maximise water storage levels while the current atmospheric conditions are still suitable.
“The initial target of today’s operation will focus on the Batang Ai area, before expanding to the Murum and Bakun areas. Previous operations in May and June showed a positive increase in water levels at the Murum and Bakun Dams while the impact on the Batang Ai Dam was moderate,” he shared during a press conference.
Before and throughout the operation, MET Malaysia analyses atmospheric conditions using weather radar data, satellite imagery, surface observations and weather forecast models to determine the location, timing and specific clouds suitable for seeding. Once these criteria are met, the Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft will fly out to the target areas and release seeding agents at altitudes of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Each cloud seeding flight utilises 4 tanks of solution, with each tank containing 200 kilogrammes of salt dissolved in 1,500 litres of water.
Agencies involved in the 3-day operation include the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Ministry for Utilities and Telecommunications Sarawak (MUT), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), the Royal Malaysia Police, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd (Southern Region), the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Malaysian Armed Forces and Sarawak’s Security and Enforcement Unit.
In a press statement released today, Sarawak Energy will continue to closely monitor water levels at its hydropower reservoirs amid the prolonged hot and dry weather. Despite lower water levels, Sarawakians can rest easy as electricity supply continues to be reliable, as Sarawak Energy is taking proactive measures to carefully manage available water resources and optimise its generation operations, while continuing to closely monitor weather and reservoir conditions.
Meanwhile, SDMC will continue to monitor and respond to the current situation through multi-agency coordinated action, including assisting communities affected by water shortages,
Members of the public, particularly children, elderly persons and those vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, are advised to take appropriate precautions during periods of unhealthy air quality, including avoiding prolonged outdoor activities, wearing N95 mask outdoors, keeping windows and doors closed, staying adequately hydrated, monitoring official API readings and seeking medical attention if experiencing breathing difficulties, chest discomfort, persistent coughing, severe eye irritation or other symptoms that worse during the haze.
