Malaysia, Indonesia join forces on cloud-seeding to combat haze

Indonesia has confirmed it is working closely with Malaysia to tackle the recurring transboundary haze problem that affects both countries, particularly during fire-prone seasons. The coordination effort includes plans to deploy weather modification techniques, commonly known as cloud-seeding, to suppress smoke and improve air quality across affected areas.

The haze phenomenon, predominantly caused by land clearing and forest fires in Indonesia, has historically posed significant challenges for Malaysia's air quality and public health. Cross-border smoke has repeatedly pushed air pollution levels to hazardous ranges in Malaysian cities, prompting regional calls for concrete action.

Under the enhanced cooperation framework, both nations are expected to share real-time data on fire hotspots and air quality measurements. The weather modification programme aims to accelerate rainfall in affected regions, helping to suppress smoke dispersion and reduce particulate matter in the atmosphere.

The initiative builds on existing bilateral environmental agreements and reflects growing recognition that transboundary air pollution requires coordinated, proactive measures. Officials from both countries have indicated that the cloud-seeding operations will be deployed strategically during peak fire seasons when haze risks are highest.

Malaysia has previously experienced severe haze episodes that disrupted daily life and caused respiratory health concerns among residents. The renewed commitment to weather modification represents a shift toward more aggressive preventive action, complementing ongoing forest management and fire-suppression efforts in Indonesia.