Malaysia Launches Three-Day Cloud Seeding Operation to Mitigate Haze

Malaysia has commenced a three-day cloud seeding operation in the state of Sarawak to reduce haze. This weather modification operation is expected to increase water reserves in several dams.

According to reports from The Star on Friday (4/9/2026), the operation targets the Batang Ai, Bakun, and Murum hydroelectric dams. Subsequent flights will be conducted over several major water catchment areas throughout Sarawak.

Sarawak’s Deputy Premier, Douglas Uggembas, stated that the operation aims to raise water levels in these dams. The authorities are responding to weather conditions that are potentially becoming hotter and drier in October.

Sarawak is a Malaysian state that shares a land border with Indonesia on the island of Kalimantan. Sarawak is one of the regions frequently affected by haze resulting from forest and land fires in Kalimantan.

According to the Anadolu Agency, Malaysia has reportedly sought permission to conduct cloud seeding operations by utilising Indonesian airspace. This step is being taken to address the haze caused by forest and land fires.

“Our target today is the Batang Ai hydroelectric area first. After that, the team will proceed to Murum and Bakun to assess the cloud conditions in each of those areas,” Uggah told Astro Awani on Friday (4/9/2026).

“Additionally, we are also targeting 13 water catchment areas in Sarawak. The objective is to increase the water levels in each of those regions,” he added.

The modification operation will involve the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).