IPOH: The government will carry out cloud seeding operations in the catchment area of the Bukit Merah dam in Semanggol, Kerian district in what is hoped to be a solution to overcome dry conditions in the area and help irrigate 19,508 hectares of drying padi fields there.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee said the areas affected were the Kerian Integrated Agricultural Development (IADA) and part of IADA in Sungai Acheh, Penang covering 1,267 hectares.
Sub-sectors that will also benefit, apart from 8,889 farmers in the IADA Kerian area and 1,267 farmers from the IADA Penang area, are the fisheries and manufacturing sectors," he said in a statement today.
Ronald said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and other relevant agencies are expected to carry out the operations from June 14-16, depending on cloud condition suitability and appropriate humidity.
"It is a process to encourage the formation of rain clouds after the water level of the Bukit Merah dam, the main irrigation source for the agriculture area, started dipping to the Critical Irrigation Level 3 category of 6.10 metres (20 feet).
He said the Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry will be holding talks with the Ministry of Environment and Water (KASA), MetMalaysia, the Perak government and other relevant agencies to find long-term methods to resolve the issue.
Last Friday, Perak Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Razman Zakaria said he was confident that the cloud seeding process would help produce rain in the affected areas.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sat Jun 11 2022
The government will carry out cloud seeding operations in the catchment area of the Bukit Merah dam in Semanggol, in what is hoped to be a solution to overcome dry conditions in the area and help irrigate 19,508 hectares of drying padi fields there.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.
Trump picks Pam Bondi for US Attorney General after Gaetz withdraws
Bondi was the top law enforcement officer of the country's third most populous state from 2011 to 2019, and served on Trump's Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission during his first administration.
Ringgit extends uptrend against greenback in early trade
At 8 am, the local currency climbed to 4.4600/4700 against the greenback.
Lebanon's only burn unit treats toddlers after Israeli strikes
The hospital hallways echo with the screams of children as anxious parents await news from doctors.
AI revolutionising sports to develop world-class athletes
Can a young Orang Asli child from Gua Musang, Kelantan be turned into an Olympic champion in 2036?
Selangor records 1,354 out-of-wedlock teen pregnancies from 2023 to Sept 2024
Anfaal Saari emphasises the seriousness of the issue, especially involving children and teenagers under 18 years old.
ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Elon Musk's Neuralink receives Canadian approval for brain chip trial
The study aims to assess the safety and initial functionality of its implant which enables people with quadriplegia.
Guitar bought by Beatles' teenage Harrison for GBP58 sells for more than GBP1 million
A guitar bought by George Harrison for about GBP58 has sold at auction for more than GBP1 million (US$1.27 million), the PA Media news agenc
Duct-taped banana goes for $6.2 mln in Sotheby's art auction
A piece of art that is little more than a banana duct-taped to a wall sold at auction to cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
Australian teen dies from tainted liquor in Laos; fourth suspected victim
Spurious liquor is a problem in Laos, with the govts of Australia and Britain warning citizens to be cautious when taking drinks there.
Woman found in freezer died from chest injuries - Police
Preliminary post-mortem report reveals that the victim died from chest injuries caused by blunt trauma.
Malaysia, Vietnam to further cooperate in multiple sectors - PM
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says the collaboration will also leverage the ASEAN Energy Grid to foster regional growth.
Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16
Australia plans to trial an age-verification system that may include biometrics or govt identification to enforce social media age cut-off.
Court orders PDRM to complete investigations into Beng Hock's death within six months
Judge says the claims and reliefs sought by the applicants are within the domain of public law both in pith and substance.
Zii Jia secures spot in BWF World Tour Finals
This will be Lee Zii Jia's third appearance at the season-ending tournament, following the 2020 and 2021 editions.
PM: Media freedom recognition needs improvement but 3Rs limit action
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says this stems from a request by the Malay rulers for the government to take a stricter stance on these matters.
Malaysian man to be publicly caned at mosque for Islamic crime of close proximity
This punishment involves caning, but what makes it unusual this time is the judge's decision for it to be conducted publicly.
Son of Norway crown princess detained for one week in rape probe
Marius Borg Hoiby is suspected of having sexual encounters with two women who were either unconscious or incapacitated.
Hamas: No hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless Gaza war ends
Gaza truce talks stall as the US vetoes a UN resolution calling for an unconditional, permanent ceasefire.