Malaysia is intensifying efforts to address increasingly severe hot and dry weather conditions by seeking funding for drone-operated cloud seeding technology, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup announced on Tuesday. Speaking at a forum organized by the Concorde Club in Kuala Lumpur, Kurup highlighted the need to transition from traditional seasonal cloud seeding, often relying on Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) assets, to more regular and cost-effective interventions prompted by climate change, global warming, and transboundary haze.
Currently, cloud seeding operations are conducted intermittently, primarily during seasonal haze episodes, using manned aircraft under the National Disaster Management Agency. Kurup described this method as costly, with each operation averaging about RM100,000 and achieving a success rate between 50% and 70%, depending on factors such as wind direction and humidity. The ministry is therefore proposing the adoption of drone technology to carry out cloud seeding more frequently and efficiently. These efforts aim both to mitigate airborne particulate matter and to increase water levels in catchment areas and dams, addressing water scarcity concerns amid prolonged dry spells.
The proposal to incorporate drone-operated cloud seeding is part of the ministry’s broader Budget 2027 submission, which also seeks increased allocations for the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) program and enhanced mapping of Malaysia’s rare earth mineral deposits. Kurup explained that boosting EFT funding would empower individual states to make localized decisions on conservation priorities, including forest rehabilitation, plant research, and the establishment of wildlife corridors. “I’m hoping that we can get more so that it’s a bottom-up approach where the state actually determines what their priorities are,” he said.
On the issue of rare earth minerals, Kurup noted that Malaysia currently lacks precise data on deposit locations needed to attract foreign investment and does not yet possess domestic processing technology. He underscored the importance of technology transfer from other countries to develop this sector effectively.
Kurup also issued a warning that the country should prepare for worsening climatic conditions attributable to an upcoming Super El Niño event, expected to continue into mid-2027. These factors could bring about extended dry periods and elevated temperatures, with wide-ranging socioeconomic impacts. Preliminary government assessments are underway to measure potential effects on water resources, energy demand, and agriculture. For instance, energy consumption may rise due to increased air-conditioning usage, while agricultural output could decline amid higher operational costs. “No estimate at the moment, but we can provide a report as details come in,” Kurup said.
The discussion at the Concorde Club, chaired by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, brought together senior journalists and policymakers to explore the challenges posed by haze, heat, and environmental sustainability in Malaysia.