Malaysia Uses Cloud Seeding to Combat Regional Haze
Authorities are launching cloud-seeding flights to induce rainfall as forest fires burn tens of thousands of hectares.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Current Conditions
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Malaysia has conducted 60 cloud-seeding flights to combat dry conditions and transboundary haze caused by widespread forest fires. The operations have successfully induced rainfall to help mitigate the environmental impact of these incidents.
Why it matters
Cloud-seeding is a critical intervention used to manage water resources and improve air quality during periods of high fire activity. Smoke from these fires reduces air quality and releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Forest fires have affected 57,081 hectares in Kalimantan, with West Kalimantan accounting for 38,310 hectares. This total represents 0.106 percent of Kalimantan's overall geographical area.
The players
MetMalaysia
This is the Malaysian Meteorological Department responsible for monitoring weather patterns and conducting atmospheric operations.
The details
MetMalaysia determines the timing for cloud-seeding operations by evaluating atmospheric moisture, wind speed, and cloud presence. The process involves spraying substances into clouds to address ongoing rainfall shortages that exacerbate wildfire conditions.
Timeline
Data regarding the 57,081 hectares burned was reported as of October 12, 2026.
Malaysia had completed 60 cloud-seeding flights as of October 12, 2026.
Hot and dry weather is expected to persist in parts of Malaysia until early 2027.
Seasonal Patterns
The current cloud-seeding efforts follow a pattern of regional intervention established during the 2015 Southeast Asian haze crisis. These measures aim to mitigate the recurring transboundary smoke that frequently impacts air quality in neighboring countries.
Residents in affected regions should monitor local air quality advisories and follow official health guidelines to minimize smoke exposure. Staying updated on regional weather reports is essential as hot and dry conditions are expected to continue through early next year.
The takeaway
Proactive cloud-seeding efforts highlight the ongoing challenge of managing environmental risks across borders in Southeast Asia. Regional cooperation remains a vital component in addressing the impacts of dry weather and forest fires on public health and air quality.
Further reading
For more information on atmospheric monitoring and regional weather trends, visit the Current Conditions page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NST Online.
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