Malaysia Considers Cloud Seeding as Kuantan Peatland Fire Spreads

Kuantan Authorities Consider Weather Modification to Contain Fire

KUANTAN : With the Kuantan peatland fire still burning after 13 days, authorities are now weighing cloud seeding as a potential intervention, said Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The fire, which started on February 22, has devastated 137 hectares of coconut plantations and is spreading into forested areas. The government stresses that cloud seeding is not an immediate fix, requiring careful weather assessments.

Technical Challenges and High Costs Involved

“Cloud seeding is not as simple as just flying a plane to induce rainfall. It involves monitoring cloud conditions, consulting experts, and ensuring feasibility before proceeding. It is also an expensive process,” Nik Nazmi explained.

Ongoing Firefighting Measures and Future Plans

Authorities are currently deploying multiple suppression strategies, including helicopter-assisted water bombing, firebreak creation, and area flooding. Despite these measures, the fire continues due to strong winds and extreme heat.

The government is actively seeking additional RMK-13 funding to enhance fire prevention infrastructure, including tube wells and watchtowers, to prevent similar disasters in the future.

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