KUCHING – Nine locations across Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API) readings by noon on Thursday as prolonged hot and dry conditions continued to put pressure on air quality and water resources.
The highest reading was recorded at the Serian district police headquarters, where the API reached 182. Kuching followed at 171, while Samarahan recorded 170.
Other areas with unhealthy readings were Sri Aman at 162, Sarikei at 158, Mukah and Bintulu at 151 each, Tebedu at 150 and Lundu at 102.
Sarawak Deputy Premier and Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (JPBNS) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the prevailing weather could have wider implications beyond deteriorating air quality.
“Prolonged hot and dry weather conditions have the potential to affect air quality, water supply sources and increase the risk of forest, peatland and open area fires,” he said.
The conditions have prompted authorities to maintain close surveillance of several areas considered vulnerable to the effects of the dry spell. Monitoring covers weather developments, air pollution readings, fire hotspots, forest and peatland fires, as well as the condition of water supply sources.
Uggah said JPBNS, together with relevant agencies, was continuing efforts to strengthen monitoring and coordinate measures to reduce the potential impact of the weather conditions.
Among the measures being prepared is a third series of cloud seeding operations, known as OPA Series 3, which JPBNS is planning in cooperation with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
The proposed operation will prioritise selected dams and water catchment areas regarded as critical, particularly locations that play an important role in maintaining water supply and supporting stable dam water levels.
“The main focus of OPA Series 3 is on dam areas and water catchment areas that have been identified as critical, especially areas that are important to the continuity of water supply sources and the stability of dam water levels,” Uggah said.
He said the operation was intended to improve the prospects of rainfall in targeted areas and, in turn, help maintain the availability of water resources in the state.
However, the planned cloud seeding exercise cannot be carried out solely on the basis of the need for rain. Its implementation will depend on whether suitable cloud formations develop and whether atmospheric and meteorological conditions meet the required criteria.
“The effectiveness of the operation depends on the existence of a cloud system that has certain characteristics and meets technical criteria and flight safety,” Uggah said.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) will continue conducting technical assessments before any operation is undertaken. The assessment will determine the suitability of the location, timing and prevailing atmospheric conditions for cloud seeding.
Authorities also face the need to manage the combined risks posed by poor air quality, possible fires and pressure on water sources during the extended dry conditions.
JPBNS is therefore working with NADMA, METMalaysia, the Natural Resources and Environment Board Sarawak (NREB), the Department of Environment (DOE), the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), utility agencies and other relevant bodies.
The agencies are expected to continue coordinating monitoring, prevention, control and mitigation measures as conditions develop.
With nine locations already registering unhealthy API readings, authorities are maintaining attention on both haze-related risks and the potential effects of prolonged dry weather on Sarawak’s water supply and fire situation.
