“The El Nino is at its peak right now. So cloud seeding may not be an effective long-term solution as the root cause of the problem – the hot and dry weather – would not have been resolved.”

Tangau said if certain areas were in dire need, due to fires and the haze, then the government would perform cloud-seeding operations for these places, he said at a press conference at the Matrade Tower here today.

Many members of the public had suggested that the government carry out cloud seeding due to fires breaking out in certain areas after the hot and dry spell brought on by the El Nino.

Tangau did not rule out cloud seeding totally and the government was closely monitoring the situation.

He said the government was also keeping a close watch on the receding water levels in several dams around the country.

“We will have to discuss the best solution to the problem with the relevant authorities.”