THE Penang government has approved eight more cloud seeding operations recently, bringing the total to 16, to address concern over low level water capacity dams in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said while encouraging results were obtained at the Mengkuang and Air Itam dams, Teluk Bahang Dam still needs improvement.
He, however, said rain might fall on other spots instead of Teluk Bahang Dam during the cloud seeding operations.
“There is no guarantee that rain will fall at the Teluk Bahang Dam during the cloud seeding exercise.
“To date, Mengkuang Dam has recorded a very healthy water level of 87.6%, surpassing its previous record of 74.7%, while Air Itam Dam chalked up 46% and Teluk Bahang Dam 19.5%.
A total of RM480,000 had been approved by the state government for 16 cloud seeding operations.
“With eight more cloud seeding operations approved recently, we hope that the Teluk Bahang Dam will be able to record a rainfall to increase the water level. This is to avoid water rationing, which is our last resort.
“Water rationing is not necessary and in order to avoid it, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will look into the supply of water throughout the state and divert it to places in need so that rationing is kept as the last resort,” Chow responded to questions by the press in Komtar today.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Alvie Cheng