Perak JPS Seeks Cloud Seeding To Address Bukit Merah Dam Shortage

IPOH, July 14 (Bernama) -- The Perak Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) has requested state approval to carry out a cloud seeding operation at Bukit Merah Dam in Bagan Serai to address declining low water levels.

State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the request would allow the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to conduct the operation this month.

He said the move was necessary following minimal rainfall between May and July. Bukit Merah Dam supplies 70 per cent of the irrigation water for the Kerian district.

“Early conservation measures and alternative water sources have been provided to padi farmers through fixed and mobile pumps. These contribute around 15 per cent of supply from the Sungai Kerian Basin, Sungai Kurau and recycled water,” he said in a statement today.

He added that when the dam’s level dropped to 23 feet, the Irrigation Critical Level 1, JPS began rationing to sustain the supply until inflows improve.

"JPS Kerian has informed farmers of the rationing measures and water-saving steps to ensure they remain alert and prepared in the field," he said.

For long-term resilience, a Raw Water Transfer Project from Sungai Perak, under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), is expected to deliver 1,500 million litres per day (MLD), with 1,000 MLD for domestic use in northern Perak and the rest for irrigation.

-- BERNAMA