World
Sarawak Steps Up Cloud Seeding as Batang Ai Dam Faces Critical Water Shortage
KUCHING: Authorities in Sarawak continued cloud seeding efforts on Sunday, Sept 6, focusing on the Batang Ai hydroelectric dam reservoir in Sri Aman, where water levels have fallen to a critical Emergency Level 3.
Sarawak Energy Vice-President for Hydro, Jonny Wong Kwei Ji, confirmed the seriousness of the situation, stating that water levels at the 90-square-kilometre reservoir continue to decline. Speaking during pre-flight preparations at the Air Force base in Kuching, Wong said, "It has reached Emergency Level 3. It is imperative to have rain."
This latest operation follows a largely unsuccessful attempt on Friday, Sept 4, according to Sarawak Meteorology Department Director Khairul Najib Ibrahim. He explained that strong prevailing winds had blown most of the seeded clouds across the border into Kalimantan, Indonesia, resulting in little rainfall over the Batang Ai area.
Earlier seeding operations over the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric dams produced better results, although both sites remain classified under Emergency Level 1.
While Sarawak's hydroelectric reservoirs are mainly used for power generation, they also help sustain downstream river levels that supply regional water treatment plants. The Bengoh dam in Bau remains the state's only reservoir dedicated specifically to drinking water.
On Thursday, Sept 3, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah announced that the cloud seeding programme, now extended through Monday, Sept 7, aims to boost water levels at the three dams and 13 catchment areas ahead of an anticipated hot and dry October.
The operation has been carried out using a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) C-130 transport aircraft.