KUCHING: Three main hydroelectric dams and 13 strategic water catchment areas are the focus of the Cloud Seeding Operation (OPA) Series 3/2026 which will be implemented from Thursday to September 5 following the prolonged hot and dry weather conditions in Sarawak.

The integrated operation covers five areas, namely Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit and Limbang in an effort to increase the water storage level to strengthen the guarantee of supply for domestic needs as well as the industrial sector.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the operation was carried out to maximise raw water storage levels while the current atmospheric conditions were still suitable for cloud seeding.

"The initial target of today's operation is concentrated in the Batang Ai area before being expanded to the Murum and Bakun areas, subject to the suitability of cloud formations and local weather conditions," he said.

He said this during a press conference after reviewing the implementation of OPA Series 3/2026 here on Thursday.

Datuk Amar Douglas added that the analysis of the implementation of the previous OPA in May and June showed a positive increase in the water level at the Murum and Bakun Dams, while the impact at the Batang Ai Dam was moderate.

In addition to increasing water levels, the precipitation resulting from the operation is also expected to help reduce the concentration of air pollutants, thereby helping to deal with the risk of transboundary haze.

The implementation of OPA Series 3/2026 is led by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) through monitoring and analysis of weather radar, satellite imagery and detailed forecast models before operational flights are carried out by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

The operation involves the cooperation of various Federal and state agencies including the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Malaysian Civil Defense Force (APM), the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT), the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS).

Also present were Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) and SDMC Deputy Chairwoman Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, UKPS Director and SDMC Secretary Abdul Wahab Rahim as well as NADMA Operations Implementation Section Chief Assistant Director Arjunaidi Ismail. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photo: George S. Embie
Translator: Nerissa Sia