Haze: Cloud seeding operation in KL, Putrajaya, Selangor today and tomorrow, says Nadma

KUALA LUMPUR: A cloud seeding operation will be conducted today and tomorrow to reduce the impact of haze in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor.

The operation will be conducted by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

Nadma director-general Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim said the cloud seeding operation was being conducted following PM2.5 readings in the affected areas exceeding 150 for more than 24 hours, based on readings issued by the Department of Environment (DoE).

"The operation will involve the relevant agencies, with an RMAF C-130 Hercules aircraft serving as the main asset for the cloud seeding operation.

"However, the operation is subject to weather conditions and the presence of suitable clouds for the cloud seeding process," he said.

He added that the operation was among the government's efforts to help reduce the impact of haze and improve air quality in the affected areas.

According to the DoE's Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), air quality monitoring stations in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were among 17 stations that recorded unhealthy API readings as of 1pm today.

Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 111, while Cheras and Batu Muda recorded readings of 139 and 124 respectively. Shah Alam in Selangor recorded an API reading of 154.

Seven of the air quality monitoring stations that recorded unhealthy API readings were in Sarawak. Serian recorded the highest reading at 176, followed by Kuching at 172, Sri Aman at 166, Samarahan at 165, Sibu at 158, Sarikei at 150 and Bintulu at 103.