A new method of cloud seeding using rockets was discovered, which saves more costs and is able to control requirements based on distance needed, compared to the usage of aircrafts.
The technological effort undergone by Marine Technology Company (MTC) Engineering, with collaboration from four public universities, like Universiti Teknologi Mara and Universiti Sains Malaysia, is being actively developed to reduce haze and drought in the future.
According to the general manager of MTC Engineering, IR Mohammad Juani Sujana, discussions had been held with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) regarding specific requirements for the cloud seeding rocket project.
“Previously, cloud seeding was done using C-130 planes, also known as ‘Charlie’ planes, by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) and private aircraft companies but by doing so, it’s very costly,” he said after the rocket testing at Paddy Seed Centre in Felcra Seberang Perak, Kampung Gajah recently.
“Thus, we attempted going for more affordable alternatives, such as the cloud seeding rocket,” Mohammad Juani mentioned.
Present to witness the testing was the advisor of Perak Menteri Besar, Dato’ Zainol Fadzi Paharudin.
Development for the project which involves five lecturers and five students, is estimated to cost RM1 million.
Meanwhile, one of the students involved with the project, Nurul Hafizah Azhar stated that Perak is the third state to be testing the cloud seeding rocket, after Selangor and Sabah.
“Malaysia wasn’t particularly popular with rockets of such kind, so we would like to initiate more cooperative efforts with other universities to develop the cloud seeding rocket industry,” she expressed. “Using rockets for cloud seeding is also much more effective.”
Apart from cloud seeding rockets, training rockets for military training and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) were also tested for their suitability for educational programmes in schools.
Rosli Mansor
