PASIR MAS, Nov 4 – The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is ready to carry out cloud-seeding operations if water levels at Kedah’s dams fall to critical levels due to prolonged dry weather.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said water levels at Pedu Dam, one of Kedah’s three main dams, remain satisfactory.
However, he stressed that continuous monitoring is necessary to protect water supplies, especially for agricultural activities.
He said the government would consider cloud seeding if dry conditions continue and suitable clouds are available to produce rainfall.
Cloud Seeding Depends on Weather Conditions
Mohamad explained that cloud seeding cannot be carried out successfully without suitable cloud formations.
The operation requires existing clouds to encourage rainfall. Therefore, it may not work when there are no suitable clouds in the sky.
He said his ministry would work with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry to assess the situation and prepare for possible water shortages.
Drinking Water May Get Priority
Mohamad said the government may need to change its water distribution priorities if dam levels reach an emergency stage.
Under such circumstances, domestic water supplies, including drinking water, would receive priority.
As a result, water releases for padi field irrigation may have to be temporarily suspended.
The ministry has also started briefing padi farmers and vegetable growers. These early preparations aim to help farmers reduce the impact of prolonged dry weather on their crops.
Government Prepares for Possible Super El Nino
Mohamad also highlighted concerns about the possible impact of Super El Nino on Malaysia’s food supply.
The extreme weather phenomenon could bring higher temperatures and longer dry periods. This may affect padi cultivation, vegetable farming and fishing activities.
To prepare for possible disruptions, he has instructed the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) to increase fish stocks.
He said temperatures could reach 40°C, potentially affecting coastal fishermen.
Hot weather may cause fish to move further offshore. This could make fishing more difficult for fishermen operating near the coast.
The government plans to increase frozen fish supplies to ensure consumers continue to have access to affordable food if catches decline.
Mohamad said the ministry would continue monitoring weather conditions and food supplies to prepare for possible challenges.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
