Government will consider cloud seeding to counter dry spell - Shahidan

The government is considering cloud seeding to counter the current hot and dry spell.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said the process would be carried out based on need and conducive weather conditions to trigger cumulonimbus clouds.

"The state governments also need to step up their enforcement to prevent forests and bushes from encroachment and open burning," he said in a statement to Bernama here.

He said an alternative solution would be to build tube wells for domestic and agricultural requirements.

"Underground water can be channeled from the well to dry areas during normal or drought season," he said.

Meanwhile, the minister urged the public to reduce outdoor activities and drink more water to avoid dehydration against the sweltering heat.

According to the Meteorological Department, the hot and dry weather associated with El-Nino would end in May or June.