NATURAL Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced today that cloud seeding would be carried out in areas where the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading hovered above 150 in the unhealthy air quality range for over 24 hours. 

He said the ministry had activated the National Haze Action Plan, which lists actions to be taken by the relevant agencies, including the National Disaster Management Agency, in managing the smog. 

“We cannot carry out this operation in any condition. Cloud seeding can only be conducted under specific circumstances, and the ministry will continue to monitor the situation,” he told a press conference after officiating a ceremony to accord recognition to Wetland Studios Putrajaya as a resource centre for environmental conservation.  

As of 5pm today, the API reading was in the unhealthy range in three areas, namely Nilai (Negri Sembilan) at 155, Cheras (Kuala Lumpur) at 154, and Seremban (Negri Sembilan) at 115. 

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality, 51 to 100 (moderate), 101 to 200 (unhealthy), 201 to 300 (very unhealthy), and above 300 (hazardous). 

Asked whether forest burning in the country had contributed to the smog, Nik Nazmi said there had been no such incident except in May, which he said had caused localised smog. 

“The data we have received indicates that there is burning outside (of the country), and, of course, the data we obtain is through the Department of Environment and the Meteorological Department,” he said without referring to any specific country. 

He said the ministry would continue to communicate with other countries in the region, including Indonesia, on environmental management. 

It was reported that the Indonesian government, through its Ministry of Environment and Forestry, denied allegations that smog caused by forest and land fires in Indonesia had affected Malaysia. – Bernama, October 3, 2023.