Cloud seeding in hazy areas

Star: PETALING JAYA: Cloud-seeding in haze-affected states will start at the end of the week.
However, the west coast can expect scattered showers over the next two days, but it would not do much to clear the haze.
The Department of Environment (DOE) Air Pollutant Index (API) at 5pm yesterday showed Sri Manjung in Perak as being the only area with an unhealthy air level.
Meteorological Services Department director-general Dr Yap Kok Seng said cloud seeding would be carried out over Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Penang.
“We are now preparing the aircraft, and should start the operation at the end of the week,” he said yesterday.
Dr Yap said scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in the west coast in the afternoon over the next two days, but it would be temporary.
“The rain will be just for a short while as July is the month with the lowest rainfall and we are now in the dry season,” he added.
“More rain can only be expected around mid-August to the end of the month.”
He said Penang and Kedah were more affected by the trans-boundary haze from Indonesia, but wind conditions could change.
The Meteorological Services Department recorded 3km visibility for Prai and Butterworth in Penang, 4km in Ipoh and 2km in Sitiawan in Perak. Visibility in the Klang Valley was at its normal 10km.
A total of 13 areas had healthy air but areas with moderate API readings increased from 31 on Tuesday to 35 yesterday.
The air over Seberang Jaya 2 and Prai, in Penang, and Port Klang improved to the healthy level yesterday.
The haze continues to linger on in the Klang Valley although the air quality remains at the moderate level.
Selangor DOE director Che Asmah Ibrahim said open burning had been detected in Johan Setia in Klang and Sungai Belangkan in Sepang, and efforts are being made to put them out.
She warned land owners that they could be charged if there was open burning on their land.
“If we can’t get the person who set the fire, then we will go after the land owners as it is their responsibility,” she said.
On another matter, Dr Yap said SMS rumours that a tsunami would hit Malaysia yesterday were false.
“No tsunami warning was issued. Any tsunami threat here will be issued through official channels like the national TV,” he said in a statement.