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BUTTERWORTH – Penang will continue to seek approval for more cloud-seeding operations to induce rainfall and ensure raw water reserves in the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams near here reach 50%.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the first operation carried out from May 2-4 was considered fruitful following rainfall in both areas, despite amounts being minimal.
“The first wave of cloud seeding and rain at Teluk Bahang Dam is equivalent to three and a half days of water supply, while the water supply obtained at Air Itam Dam is equivalent to local use for one day.
“Although the amounts were small, they really helped us prepare supplies so that clean water can continue to be distributed to users. We will request the help of the National Disaster Management Agency and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) for future cloud-seeding operations,” he told reporters.
He was met after a visit to Package 12A at the Sg Dua water treatment plant here, which was also attended by Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan.
On May 2, RMAF and the Meteorological Department carried out cloud-seeding operations in the catchment area of the Teluk Bahang and Teluk Air Itam dams in Penang after raw water reserves in both dams decreased.
Meanwhile, Chow, who is also PBAPP chairman, said the state government will use different strategies through PBAPP to ensure sufficient water supply in the state, especially in the face of the current dry spell.
“The strategy is to take water from the Bukit Dumbar reservoir as well to be channelled to Air Itam Dam.
“Through this method, even if the water level at Air Itam Dam continues to decrease, at least it will drop little by little,” he added. – Bernama, May 13, 2023