Malaysia launches cloud-seeding flights to combat haze over Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
A cloud-seeding operation is being carried out today and tomorrow by Nadma and partner agencies to lower haze in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor after PM2.5 levels stayed above 150 for more than a day.
A cloud-seeding campaign has been launched for today and tomorrow to reduce haze affecting Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor. The National Disaster Management Agency is coordinating with the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which will deploy a C-130 Hercules aircraft as the primary seeding platform. The initiative was triggered after the Department of Environment reported PM2.5 concentrations above 150 for more than 24 hours in the area.
Air quality monitoring stations recorded unhealthy API values, with Putrajaya at 111, Cheras at 139, Batu Muda at 124 and Shah Alam at 154, while several stations in Sarawak showed even higher readings. Authorities stress that the operation can only proceed if weather conditions and suitable cloud formations are present. The effort is presented as part of the government's strategy to lessen haze impact and improve regional air quality.
Why it matters
Reducing haze improves health and daily life for millions in Malaysia’s densely populated capital region.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the launch of a cloud-seeding operation to address haze, but the right-leaning coverage adds specific pollutant measurements and notes that the operation depends on weather conditions.
CENTER
Centrist coverage presents the cloud-seeding effort as a coordinated government response to mitigate haze and improve air quality.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the operation as a reaction to dangerous PM2.5 levels, highlighting unhealthy API readings and conditional feasibility.
The right emphasises
- PM2.5 concentrations exceeded 150 µg/m³ for more than 24 hours, prompting the campaign
- air-quality monitoring stations recorded unhealthy API values (e.g., Putrajaya 111, Cheras 139, Shah Alam 154)
- authorities stress the operation can only proceed if weather conditions are suitable
How this story developed
- Sep 14 Kalimantan haze forces delays for 73 flights at Supadio Airport
- Sep 14 At a formal event in Jakarta's State Palace, President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated Suahasil Nazara as the new Minister of Finance, succeeding Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa. The change was enacted through Presidential Decree Number 97P of 2026, covering the rest of the 2024-2029 Red and White Cabinet term. Suahasil pledged loyalty to the 1945 Constitution and committed to implementing laws diligently. Both the president and the new minister signed the official inauguration record, and President Prabowo extended congratulations to Nazara and his family. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, along with other coordinating ministers, attended the ceremony, making Nazara the third finance minister under Prabowo's leadership.
- Sep 14 Suahasil Nazara was appointed as Indonesia's finance minister, replacing Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.
- Sep 17 Nazara pledged to keep the deficit under 3 % of GDP.
- Sep 17 Indonesia broadened its wildfire‑containment operations to additional provinces and national parks.
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