MetMalaysia, RMAF on standby for cloud seeding in Sabah

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) and Malaysian Royal Air Force (RMAF) have been put on standby to do cloud seeding exercise following the haze situation in Sabah, said Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

He, however, said the cloud seeding exercise was subjected to suitable clouds.

"Malaysian Meteorological Department has been instructed to go ahead with cloud seeding even if it means Mosti have to bear the expenses," he said in a statement today.

Madius said Mosti was aware of the situation and conducting round the clock monitoring on the haze which is currently blanketing areas in the west coast of Sabah.

Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman had been informed on the status of haze in the state which would be monitored closely by the department, he added.

Several areas in Sabah's west coast have recorded air pollution index reading of more than 200 lately.

On Sunday, 77 schools in three districts, namely Kuala Penyu, Papar and Beaufort, were announced to be closed today due to poor air quality.

Six more primary and secondary schools in three disctricts of Sabah are closed today and tomorrow due to the haze.