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.

Clean-water aid has reached two dry-spell-hit communities: 84 families in Biawak, Lundu and another 10 in Lingga, Sri Aman. The 2026 Dry Season Clean Water Delivery Report dated Aug 31 records 670 cartons of 1.5-litre bottled water for 335 residents of Kampung Pasir Hilir. Rumah Perindu at Sungai Pisang received 80 cartons for 40 residents. Together, the deliveries covered 375 people in 94 families. Lower river levels are also reducing the raw water available at some treatment intakes. The Sarawak Social Welfare Department is coordinating bottled-water aid with the Rural Water Supply Department, which handles tanker deliveries. Communities relying on rainwater, gravity-fed systems or SAWAS supplies are especially exposed during a long dry spell. Households with disrupted supply have been asked to report through their divisional or district Disaster Management Committee. The number of residents, daily drinking-water needs and expected duration of the shortage are used to determine assistance.

Sarawak has mobilised 119 water tankers as dry weather puts smaller river-based water systems under pressure. The state’s main water-supply dams — Bengoh, Gerugu, Assyakirin and Sika — are still recording normal levels. The greater risk is in JBALB schemes that draw from small rivers, so the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry, JBALB and Sarawak Water are coordinating extra tankers, storage and alternative sources. Nine centralised water collection centres have been established in Sri Aman, with 13 more locations identified in Betong. The tanker response is being coordinated across divisions and with other agencies for areas that need support. For water-supply problems, residents can report through local leaders or call JBALB at 082-262111 and Sarawak Water at 082-222333. The 1-300-88-2020 Sarawak Water line will become effective on Sept 1. The dry spell is expected to continue into 2027 under El Niño conditions, while any cloud-seeding operation remains weather-dependent. Households are urged to use water carefully.

Sarawak is being urged to publish regular water-level data for the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric reservoirs. Sarawak is being urged to publish regular water-level data for the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric reservoirs as prolonged dry weather raises questions about future power generation. Senator Abun Sui Anyit said he saw what appeared to be a 300m to 500m exposed stretch along the Bakun reservoir during a visit on June 2. He stressed that this was a field observation, not an official measurement. He wants Sarawak Energy Berhad and the state government to release the current levels, minimum operating levels and a clear contingency plan. He also called for independent studies on the impact of drought, climate change and sedimentation. Sarawak Energy's published figures put Bakun's maximum operating level is EL 228m and its minimum operating level is EL 195m. This update concerns planning, repairs or public data—not an automatic notice that the facility has closed or that a power or water disruption is imminent. The next useful confirmation is the agency's approval, tender, works timetable or published measurement. [image: 1787015299226-bakun-dam-reservoir.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post