By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, July 9 — The impact of the southwest monsoon in Selangor is under control, with rainfall and humidity levels to stay in the average range, said state executive councillor for public health and environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
She said the Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) forecast indicated the monsoon from May 10 to mid-September — which will see lower rainfall and humidity — won’t pose significant weather-related risks to the state.
“The Selangor Climate Adaptation Centre (SCAC) will act as a strategic agency to drive efforts related to environmental and climate change issues, in order to strengthen the state’s resilience against weather and climate phenomena such as extreme heat.
“Under the Selangor Climate Change Policy, the SCAC is currently developing a Climate Action Plan involving all 12 local authorities, as well as a Building Energy Efficiency Policy and Programme in collaboration with the State Economic Planning Unit.
“Both initiatives are in the discussion and framework development stage, which will include the formulation of policies, legal provisions, and implementation guidelines,” she told the Selangor State Legislative Assembly in response to a question from Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei here today.
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People walk in the rain with umbrellas in Ampang on May 13, 2023. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
Jamaliah added that the state government will work with METMalaysia to ensure systematic weather monitoring, accurate forecasting, and effective coordination with state agencies.
This includes the monitoring of weather changes, supporting the planning and execution of cloud seeding operations, and conducting public awareness campaigns on the health risks of extreme heat.
Responding to a supplementary question from Morib assemblyman Rosnizam Ahmad on whether the cloud-seeding process poses any health risks, Jamaliah assured it does not and is never carried out arbitrarily.
“It is only implemented when extreme heat levels are recorded and after thorough discussions between relevant committees and agencies.”
Separately, she said Selangor has seen an over 50 per cent drop in dengue cases, thanks to local councils and the Selangor State Health Department’s regular monitoring and updates.
