Government Considers Cloud Seeding Amid Peatland Blaze
KUANTAN: The Malaysian government is evaluating cloud seeding as a possible measure to control the ongoing peatland fire at a coconut plantation along the Kuantan-Sungai Ular Bypass, according to Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
He emphasized that cloud seeding is a complex process that requires expert assessments and favorable weather conditions before implementation.
Challenges in Cloud Seeding Implementation
“For cloud seeding, we cannot simply send an aircraft and expect rain—it requires expert consultation, weather monitoring, and a high financial cost,” Nik Nazmi stated after inspecting the fire site on Thursday (March 6).
He was accompanied by Fire and Rescue Department operations director Nordin Pauzi and Pahang Fire and Rescue director Mohd Razam Taja Rahim.
Fire Suppression Efforts and Government Actions
The fire, which has been burning for 13 days since February 22, has already destroyed approximately 137 hectares of coconut plantations and extended into nearby forested areas. Current firefighting efforts include helicopter water bombing, creating firebreaks, flooding affected zones, and direct fire suppression.
Despite extensive efforts, the fire remains active, with strong winds and dry weather complicating extinguishing operations. The government is also seeking increased allocations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) to improve fire prevention infrastructure in peatland areas.
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