KUALA LUMPUR: The government incurs a cost of at least RM80,000 each time a cloud seeding operation is conducted to reduce effects of the worsening haze.
It was learnt that the amount was the estimated cost of one flight using the Air Force’s C-130 aircraft.
Sources said all expenses related to cloud seeding operation involving the coordination of multiple agencies including the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and the Air Force would be fully borne by the National Disaster Management Agency.
“This is just an estimation of the cost involved when a cloud seeding operation is carried out. To date, the government has conducted four cloud seeding operations to ease the thick smog.
“That is why it is important to conduct the operation when the situation is most favourable by taking into consideration the type of clouds, air humidity and the wind (pattern). This is to ensure that the operation will result in rain,” the sources said.
Checks by the New Straits Times, however, showed, that a total of five cloud seeding operations had been conducted in the Peninsula and Sarawak since the haze began enveloping parts of the country two weeks ago.
MetMalaysia director-general Jailan Simon said the monsoon transition phase expected to begin on Tuesday would result in the formation of thunderstorms and heavy downpour across the country.
He said in a statement that the transition phase of the monsoon was expected to last until the beginning of November.