JOHOR BARU: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said he hoped the cloud seeding operation that is expected to start in Johor at the end of this month will stabilise the water levels at the Sungai Layang and Sungai Lebam dams.
He said the exercise was necessary as it was hoped it will settle the issue of water supply in Johor.
Khaled said the cloud seeding operation was important to stabilise the low water levels at the two dams, which has led to water rationing in the entire area of Pasir Gudang and parts of Johor Baru.
"I urge the people involved in the scheduled water supply in the areas to be patient, and to be prudent when using water.
"It is hoped that the cloud seeding exercise would lead to rain in the affected water catchment areas and restore the water levels (at the dams)," he said in a statement.
Khaled said the water rationing exercise by water utility SAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd for the past month has extended the water reserves in the affected dams.
He said the situation must be closely monitored due to the uncertain rain patterns, and said the rain do not fall on water catchment areas.
He said as part of measures to supplement raw water supply at Sungai Johor, water utility SAJ Holdings would channel water from Sungai Tiram to Sungai Johor on Oct 1.
"The state government was also considering stopping the scheduled water supply for three days on Sept 23, 24 and 25. This will allow the people to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha and school holidays more comfortably," he said.