Malaysia launches three‑day cloud‑seeding drive to combat Sarawak haze

Malaysia began a three‑day cloud‑seeding campaign on Thursday aimed at dispersing the thick haze blanketing Sarawak, as authorities grapple with air‑quality readings that have entered the hazardous range.

The haze originates from large‑scale forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, which have been burning for weeks during the dry season. Winds have carried the smoke across the narrow strait separating the two nations, depositing fine particulate matter over parts of Borneo.

Cloud‑seeding involves aircraft releasing silver iodide or other hygroscopic agents into suitable clouds to encourage the formation of raindrops. Malaysia’s Meteorological Department has deployed a fleet of planes to conduct the operation over the affected districts, hoping that induced precipitation will clear the particulate load.

Health officials have warned that the current Air Pollution Index (API) levels exceed the threshold considered dangerous for the general public, especially vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. Schools in Sarawak have already moved classes outdoors or cancelled activities, and hospitals report a rise in admissions for asthma and other breathing problems.

The cloud‑seeding effort is not new to the region; neighboring countries have turned to the technique during previous haze episodes. However, experts caution that the method works only when sufficient cloud cover exists and that it cannot replace longer‑term fire‑prevention measures, such as stricter enforcement of land‑clearing laws in Indonesia.

In the coming days, Malaysia’s environment ministry will monitor the impact of the seeding and coordinate with Indonesian authorities on fire‑suppression strategies. If the operation yields measurable drops in particulate concentrations, officials say it could become a regular tool during the annual haze season, but they stress that lasting improvement will require regional cooperation to curb the underlying source of the smoke.