KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 -- Malaysia will begin cloud seeding operations this week as parts of the country swelter under heatwave conditions, with temperatures climbing as high as 40degC in some areas.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the operations, led by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), will run from today until April 9 in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

The effort will focus on major dams in Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Johor, with the aim of sustaining water supply for both domestic use and agriculture amid the ongoing hot spell.

"As of April 5, Kota Setar in Kedah has recorded Level 2...