KUALA LUMPUR: Cloud seeding operations will be conducted in Penang and Perak today and tomorrow.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri told the Dewan Rakyat today here that these would be done over dams and other surrounding areas in the state, including the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams in Penang, and the Bukit Merah dam in Perak.
She said this was part of the government's early efforts to address the receding water levels in the dam, due to the dry spell.
"Cloud seeding operations will be done to ensure sufficient water supply in rain catchment areas during the hot and dry season.
"The water level at Teluk Bahang dam is at 80 per cent, and 37 per cent in the Air Itam dam, while the Bukit Merah dam has a water level of 80 per cent."
Nancy said the success of operations was dependent on factors such as high humidity, the presence of cumulus clouds, and low wind speed.
"State governments that intend to carry out cloud seeding operations can propose them to the National Disaster Management Agency," added the Santubong member of Parliament.
She said this in response to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (Barisan Nasional-Tampin), who had asked about the government's preparations for the hot spell.
The Meteorological Department, on Saturday, had issued alert-level hot weather status in several areas nationwide. at 12 locations in four states.
The department said Perlis, Kedah, Perak and Sabah could log temperatures as high as 35°C to 37°C.