ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES – There are no plans for cloud seeding operations as the Malaysian government continues to monitor the haze in the country, said the Environment Minister.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said cloud seeding operations will be carried out only in areas where Air Pollutant Index (API) readings are above 150 for more than 24 hours.
“Cloud seeding can only be conducted under specific conditions; we will monitor the situation closely,” he said on Tuesday.
“The ministry has activated the National Haze Action Plan, which lists the measures to be taken by relevant agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency.”
As at 7pm on Tuesday, the Malaysian API Management System website reported that Cheras township in Kuala Lumpur and Nilai city in Negeri Sembilan had API readings of 153 and 154, respectively, which are in the unhealthy range.
An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and 300 and above, hazardous. Other locations nationwide recorded either good or moderate air quality.
Nik Nazmi disregarded the idea that forest fires in Malaysia were to blame for the hazy weather. Without specifically naming any nation, he asserted that there are signs that external factors are to blame for the haze.
“The data we have collected indicates that there is burning outside of the country, and of course, the data was obtained through the Environment Department and Meteorological Department,” he said.
He added that his ministry will continue to communicate with countries in the region.
Previously, Indonesia had refuted claims that open burning within its borders was to blame for the haze in Malaysia.