GEORGE TOWN, February 29 – The cloud seeding operations carried out by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) on February 27th and 28th, 2024, over Penang’s water catchment areas (WCAs) proved unsuccessful, as no rainfall was recorded in the regions surrounding the Air Itam Dam and Teluk Bahang Dam. This disappointing outcome indicates that the cloud seeding efforts did not succeed in bolstering the effective capacities of these vital water reservoirs.
Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) attributes the lack of rainfall to unfavorable atmospheric and cloud conditions. While cloud seeding typically relies on the presence of suitable rain clouds and conducive atmospheric conditions for precipitation, these factors were evidently absent during the recent operations. Consequently, the anticipated increase in water supply did not materialize as expected.
In response to the persisting water supply challenges, PBAPP has called for additional cloud seeding operations in March 2024, particularly during the inter-monsoon season when rain clouds are anticipated to be more prevalent over Penang. PBAPP remains hopeful that further cloud seeding efforts, potentially commissioned by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), will help alleviate the water shortage situation in the region. Despite the setbacks, PBAPP continues to implement the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2024 (AIDAP 2024) to manage water resources effectively, emphasizing the importance of prudent water consumption by residents until natural replenishment occurs.
