PENANG will leave cloud seeding operations in the haze-affected areas to the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that when the red flag is raised, he believes the ministry would take the necessary action.
“This matter is under the ministry. Whenever there is a need, they should consider doing it. I am sure they are monitoring the situation, beginning with the most serious state, Sarawak,” said Chow in reply to a reporter’s question after launching the ‘StepUp Initiative’ at the Karpal Singh Learning Centre in Bukit Gelugor today.
“We hope that the ministry will do cloud seeding wherever it is needed, including Penang.
“I am sure when the red flag is raised, they will make the necessary decision according to their protocol.
“We have to respect that. They are the authority. We share their concern.”
The haze situation in Penang today remains bad, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in Balik Pulau, Minden and Seberang Jaya in the ‘unhealthy’ category.
As at 3pm, the API reading for Balik Pulau is 107, Minden 114 and Seberang Jaya 106. The API station in Seberang Perai has recorded a reading of 97.
An API reading of 0 to 50 is good, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy) and 301 and above (hazardous).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad