KUCHING: Cloud seeding operations in the state were scheduled to begin today at 3pm amid the worsening haze in several areas throughout Sarawak but as of 4pm, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) is still waiting for the clouds to shape up before embarking on the cloud seeding operation.
According to state National Security Council (MKN) assistant secretary Shalihin Annuar, the cloud seeding operation here is expected to be carried out for 10 days until September 25 in Kuching, Sri Aman, Kota Samarahan and Sarikei.
Meanwhile state meteorological director Loh Eng Kee said the weather condition will remain hazy for the remainder of this week. Despite the light rain in Miri and Bintulu this morning, the state’s central and southern regions are expected to experience little rain.
The State Health Department has seen a 30 per cent rise in haze-related illnesses in Kuching and Sri Aman. The public is advised to take necessary health precautions such as wearing a face mask when going outside, lessening outdoor activities and staying hydrated.
As of noon, the Department of Environment (DOE) reported that the air quality in Sri Aman, Sarikei, Kota Samarahan, Kuching and Sibu remain at unhealthy levels with readings of 159, 138, 127 and both 115 respectively.
Kapit and Limbang reported moderate air quality with 67 API ratings while the air quality monitoring stations at Miri and at Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) in Permyjaya are 97 and 94 respectively. Bintulu also recorded moderate air quality with an API reading of 96.
API readings are rated ‘Good’ between 0-50, Moderate (51-100), Unhealthy (101-200), Very Unhealthy (201-300) and Hazardous for readings above 300.