Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang’s (PBAPP) hopes of carrying out cloud seeding may be realised very soon.
Their appeal to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has been answered.
NADMA has asked the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMA) to carry out cloud seeding operations in Penang to start from the end of April.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) has recommended that the operations be carried out from April 29, 2023 till May 7, 2023.
Among the targeted areas are the Air Itam Dam and Teluk Bahang Dam.
The primary objective of the operation is to induce heavy rainfall over the water catchment areas of the Air Itam Dam and Teluk Bahang Dam since heavy rainfall is required to refill these dams with as much raw water as possible.
The effective capacities of the Air Itam Dam and Teluk Bahang Dam have dropped by 37.7% and 15.4% respectively since Jan, 2023. This is due primarily to low rainfall (as related to climate change) in water catchment areas and high water demand in the State of Penang in 2023.
In the meantime, the Penang State Government and Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd look forward to the success of the cloud-seeding operations.
Earlier, the Penang State Government had approved a RM400,000 budget to fund the cloud seeding operations.
Depending on the outcome and circumstances, PBAPP may also request for additional
allocations from the Penang State Government to fund a second wave of additional cloud seeding operations to replenish the reserves of Penang’s dams.
Members of the public are also reminded to be cautious when using water supplies.
They have been reminded to use water wisely until the reserves of the Air Itam Dam and Teluk Bahang Dam are replenished to safe levels.
Among the conservation methods are –
1. Avoid using a hose as far as possible. Using a hose wastes water.
2. Wash your car or motorcycle less often. If you must wash your vehicle, use a bucket and a damp cloth or sponge instead of a hose.
3. Water your plants with a watering can instead of a hose.
4. Sweep your porch or driveway instead of using a hose.
5. Fix all leaking taps, pipes or toilet systems immediately.
6. Do not leave any taps running in your home or office.
7. Teach your children to shut taps properly.
8. Use your washing machine only when you have a full load.
9. When washing clothes by hand, do not leave the tap running. Turn it on only when you rinse.
10. Fill and plug your sink when washing/rinsing food, dishes and cutlery.
11. Mop the floor instead of using a hose or splashing water from a bucket.
12. Turn off the tap while you are brushing your teeth. Turn it on only when it is time to rinse your mouth.
13. Turn off the tap while soaping your hands. Turn it on only when it is time to rinse.
14. Take shorter showers.
15. Turn off the shower when you are soaping your body.
16. Install “double-flush” systems in your toilet. Usually, a “half-flush” does the job.
17. Avoid flushing rubbish down the toilet. Put rubbish in the rubbish bin.
18. Call 04-255-8255 to report leaks at roadside mains or pipes immediately.
Source – PBAPP press release
