Malaysia: Government Will Consider Cloud Seeding To Counter Dry Spell

Bernama 23 Mar 16;

KANGAR, March 23 (Bernama) -- The government is considering cloud seeding to counter the current hot and dry spell.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim said the process would be carried out based on need and conducive weather conditions to trigger cumulonimbus clouds.

"The state governments also need to step up their enforcement to prevent forests and bushes from encroachment and open burning," he said in a statement to Bernama here.

He said an alternative solution would be to build tube wells for domestic and agricultural requirements.

"Underground water can be channeled from the well to dry areas during normal or drought season," he said.

Meanwhile, the minister urged the public to reduce outdoor activities and drink more water to avoid dehydration against the sweltering heat.

According to the Meteorological Department, the hot and dry weather associated with El-Nino would end in May or June.

-- BERNAMA


Relief as mercury dips at some hotspots
The Star 23 Mar 16;

PETALING JAYA: After several days of sweltering heat, respite has come with a drop in temperature, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

Alor Setar, which was at a critical state during the heatwave, saw a drop from 37°C to 35.2°C.

Other places that saw a dip in temperature from Monday to yesterday was Chuping, Perlis, from 37.7°C to 36.6°C; Ipoh (35.9°C to 33.4°C) and Seberang Perai (36.8°C to 34.2°C).

“Rainfall in a few places could be a sign that the heatwave is weakening, but are still at levels where people have to be cautious,” Tangau said.

He added that rainfalls in a few places in Perlis and Kedah yesterday was not heavy, but advised that it was only temporary.

Tangau said that more rain was expected in the Klang Valley and south of the peninsula.

As of 6pm yesterday, the Malay­sian Meteorological Department website noted that Chuping recorded the highest temperature at 33°C, while Alor Setar and Seberang Perai recorded 32°C; Ipoh and Malacca at 31°C and Petaling Jaya at 30°C.

MetMalaysia deputy director Alui Bahari said that Sabah would remain dry but there would be some rain in Sarawak.

He added that the same wind patterns was expected to form today, providing more relief from the rain.


Heatwave hits four states in five days
The Star 22 Mar 16;

KUALA LUMPUR: Six locations in peninsula Malaysia experienced heatwave for five days in a row with authorities advising the public to take precautionary measures.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (pic) said that the dry and hot weather was mostly felt in Perlis, Kedah, Pahang and Perak.

"Chuping, Alor Setar, Lubok Merbau, Batu Embun, Temerloh and Ipoh experienced the heatwave and recorded above average temperatures for five days in a row," Shahidan said in a media statement issued Tuesday.

He noted that average temperatures for the areas were usually 35 degree Celcius but hit 37 degree Celcius during the heatwave.

"The hot and dry spell happens during the end of the easterly monsoon which occurs during the transition to the westerly monsoon beginning in mid May," he said.

He advised members of the public to reduce outdoor activities and keep hydrated to avoid suffering from fatigue or heat stroke.

"The respective state governments are also advised to step up enforcement to monitor open burning activities by irresponsible parties," he added.

He added that the state governments were also advised to open more tube wells for both agriculture and domestic use.

Shahidan said the Government will consider cloud seeding to alleviate the dry and hot conditions if necessary.