A cloud-seeding operation was conducted on September 19 and 20 in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur in an effort to alleviate the haze affecting air quality in the region. The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) coordinated the operation in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, and the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
The initiative was triggered after Air Pollutant Index (API) readings in the affected areas surpassed 150 for more than 24 hours, according to data from the Department of Environment. A Royal Malaysian Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft was deployed as the main asset for dispersing the seeding agents aimed at encouraging rainfall and thus reducing the concentration of airborne pollutants.
Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim, director-general of Nadma, described the operation as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate haze impacts and improve air quality. He noted that the success of cloud seeding depends heavily on favorable weather and the presence of clouds suitable for the process. Authorities said monitoring of weather and air quality conditions would continue in coordination with relevant agencies to adapt response measures as needed.
As of 5 p.m. on September 19, nationwide API readings indicated unhealthy air quality levels in 16 monitoring stations. Seven locations in Sarawak recorded unhealthy readings, with Serian registering the highest API of 178, followed by Kuching at 173 and Sri Aman at 169. Other affected areas included Seri Manjung in Perak, which recorded an API of 158, and Larkin and Pasir Gudang in Johor. In Selangor, Shah Alam exhibited unhealthy levels, while two stations in Kuala Lumpur—Cheras and Batu Muda—also registered readings above the healthy threshold. Melaka’s Bukit Rambai recorded the lowest unhealthy reading at 102.
Meanwhile, 11 stations nationwide reported good air quality, and 40 stations showed moderate levels. Regional meteorological data indicated predominantly dry conditions across the southern ASEAN region, although some showers were reported in northern Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, and Borneo overnight. The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre identified widespread fire hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra, with additional hotspots spotted in Sarawak.
Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed over parts of Kalimantan, southern Sumatra, and western Sarawak, with air quality stations in these areas reporting unhealthy to hazardous pollution levels. The haze is linked to continuing vegetation fires in these regions, which contribute to transboundary haze affecting parts of Malaysia. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely as they implement measures to safeguard public health and safety.