Sarawak wants cloud-seeding missions to continue through September whenever the weather allows, as dry conditions put dams and raw-water sources under pressure. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the state was discussing more frequent operations with the federal government. The request is conditional: aircraft can only seed clouds that meet the required atmospheric conditions. The third 2026 operation ran from Sept 3 to 5 across Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit and Limbang. It targeted three dams — Batang Ai, Murum and Bakun — and 13 catchment areas. Uggah said previous missions had helped raise levels at Murum and Bakun, although the effect at Batang Ai was smaller. The immediate concern is water, not a guaranteed fix for the haze. Lubau’s supply was described as critical, while operations at Awik and Spaoh had stopped. Hot weather is expected to remain a risk into October. Cloud seeding depends on suitable clouds, humidity and wind. A scheduled window therefore does not guarantee a flight or measurable rain at a particular town.

An RMAF C-130 took off from the Kuching air base on Sept 3 for Sarawak’s third cloud-seeding operation this year, turning an uncertain schedule into an actual mission. The three-day window runs through Sept 5. Crews are prioritising the Batang Ai, Murum and Bakun hydropower dams, then 13 water catchments across Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Kapit and Limbang. Seeding can only happen when suitable moisture-rich clouds form between about 5,000 and 7,000 feet. That condition remains the limit. Earlier forecasts had found clouds unsuitable and winds pushing them out to sea; even after take-off, not every target is guaranteed to be seeded or receive rain. Officials said reservoir levels were lower than usual but still under control. The mission is meant to replenish dams and catchments, with cleaner air as a possible benefit rather than a promised result. Its effect will have to be measured through subsequent rainfall, reservoir levels and API readings — the flight itself does not guarantee immediate rain for Kuching.

Four water treatment plants have been placed at the front of Sarawak’s next cloud-seeding plan as the dry spell continues to squeeze raw-water reserves. The priority sites are Simunjan, Lingga, Spaoh and Lichok. The target window is Sept 3 to 5, but the operation still depends on suitable cloud formations. Agencies are due to meet on Sept 1 to decide how it will be carried out, so the dates are not a confirmed flight schedule. The exercise is intended to support both water sources and power dams. The wider response is already moving. From Aug 18 to 29, JBALB’s 24 water tankers and 74 contracted lorries—98 vehicles in all—made 680 trips and delivered 3.344 million litres across Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Limbang and Miri. The disaster committee has also approved RM400,000 for additional water tanks and central collection points in larger villages. Separately, bottled-water assistance recorded 1,943 cases from Jan 1 to Aug 26, covering 49,523 families and 225,822 people. Communities facing supply interruptions should follow JBALB or Sarawak Water notices for the operating details of their local tanker routes and collection points.

Sarawak’s next cloud-seeding window is Sept 3–5, but the operation could start earlier if the haze worsens. The federal plan covers Sarawak, Kedah and Perlis, with the Malaysian Meteorological Department working alongside the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Sarawak officials are also weighing whether to bring forward the Sarawak operation as air quality deteriorates. APIMS readings at 2pm on Aug 30 were 425 in Serian, 336 in Samarahan and 313 in Kuching. Cloud seeding is being considered for two practical reasons: helping haze-affected areas and adding water to dams as reserves fall. The dates are a window, not a weather guarantee. Flights still depend on suitable clouds and their movement; daily flight times and target locations have not been announced.

Sarawak is preparing for another cloud-seeding attempt as falling dam levels raise concern ahead of a possible stronger El Niño. MetMalaysia is assessing whether weather conditions will support an operation between Sept 3 and 5. A coordination meeting on Sept 1 will help determine whether the clouds are suitable. The dates are only a possible operating window, not a confirmed flight schedule or a guarantee of rain. Earlier cloud-seeding operations on May 11 and 12, and June 19 to 21, were reported to have helped dam levels. Sarawak is also setting up a special operations team at the State Disaster Command Centre to track water levels, while welfare agencies and the Rural Water Supply Department continue water assistance where needed. For Kuching and other divisions, residents should treat the early-September dates as something to monitor alongside official water-supply and haze updates. MetMalaysia expects below-average rainfall in southwestern Sarawak from October to December, but the actual impact will still depend on cloud formation, rainfall and wind conditions.

Sarawak may carry out a third cloud-seeding operation as haze and dry weather put pressure on water supplies. The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the operation will target critical dam catchments and water catchment areas. It will be carried out with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), but only if suitable clouds and weather conditions are available. MetMalaysia will decide the location and timing after technical checks. At noon on Aug 14, unhealthy API readings included Kuching 171, Samarahan 170, Serian 182 and Sri Aman 162. SDMC warned prolonged dry weather could worsen haze, strain water sources and raise the risk of forest, peatland and open-burning fires. Location: Sarawak, including Kuching and Samarahan Details: This would be Sarawak’s third cloud-seeding operation this year. [image: 1786701893462-sarawak-cloud-seeding.jpg] Photo: DayakDaily (file photo) Source: DayakDaily Cross-check: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawak is preparing to conduct cloud seeding operations if the haze situation continues to worsen, says Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh. As of today, eight locations across Sarawak have recorded Air Pollution Index (API) readings above 100 — reaching unhealthy levels. Southern Sarawak, including Kuching, is being hit by transboundary haze from increased hotspots in neighbouring countries. Len Talif said winds moving from the east towards the south before turning north are carrying the haze into the state. "As of now, there is no schedule for cloud seeding yet. We will continue monitoring the situation," he said during a press conference at the Sarawakku Sayang Programme in Sarikei. He also warned the public against open burning, saying legal action will be taken against individuals or companies found doing so. [image: 1786269739525-cloud-seeding.jpg] Location: Sarawak (Kuching, Sri Aman, Sarikei & more) Details: 8 locations with API > 100; cloud seeding on standby; open burning禁令 enforced Source: DayakDaily What do you think? Should cloud seeding start now?