Malaysia: Melaka begins cloud seeding as dam drops to critical levels

r.s.n.murali The Star 16 May 19;

MELAKA: Melaka has begun cloud seeding on Thursday (May 16) as the Durian Tunggal Dam, the main water source for the state, is almost at critical levels.

State Transport, Works and Public Amenities Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Sofi Abdul Wahab said the cloud seeding would continue till Saturday (May 18).

He said a Cessna 340A aircraft would be used to release "hygroscopic flares" to seed the clouds.

“The Meteorological Department had done an analysis and found May 16-18 to be a suitable period for cloud seeding.

“The department will frequently conduct atmospheric tests and advise the state government on subsequent seeding exercises,” he said.

Mohd Sofi said the exercise was aimed at avoiding any water rationing during the festive season.

“We are doing our best to replenish the reducing level of water, and we don’t foresee any shortages for Hari Raya.

“The dwindling dam levels are due to insufficient rainfall over the last two weeks,” he added.