PUTRAJAYA, May 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) to step up cloud seeding operations in northern Peninsular Malaysia in view of the hot and dry weather.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the operations must be carried out urgently.

“We are aware that northern Kedah, in particular, is experiencing a longer-than-usual dry spell, causing difficulties for farmers and padi growers.

“As such, we have instructed the RMAF to intensify cloud seeding, and I have also asked JBPM, which has relatively smaller capacity, to continue the operations over the next few days,” he said at a press conference on the global supply crisis here today.

Yesterday, Anwar also instructed the Meteorological Department to expedite similar operations in critically affected states, particularly Kedah and Perlis.

He said the move is an urgent response to current weather conditions, adding that the use of drone technology should be explored to overcome logistical constraints and ensure smoother implementation of the operations. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — A tour bus carrying eight Indian tourists veered off the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near here this morning after the driver is believed to have lost control of the vehicle.

The crash occurred at KM213.4 southbound at about 10.18am, with the bus ending up in a roadside drain after skidding onto the emergency lane.

According to Harian Metro, Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Zone 2 chief Fire Superintendent Tc Zulkhairani Ramli said a fire engine and 10 personnel were dispatched to the scene after an emergency call was received, arriving about 10 minutes later.

He said the bus was carrying nine people — eight Indian tourists and a local male driver.

The passengers comprised three adult men, including the driver, three adult women and three boys.

“Three victims suffered minor injuries involving the driver and two boys.

“All injured victims received initial treatment from Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) personnel before being taken to hospital for further treatment,” he told reporters today.

The operation was brought under control and fully concluded at 11.13am.

Personnel from the Health Ministry and Royal Malaysia Police also assisted at the scene.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed appreciation to personnel of the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) for their unwavering commitment, discipline and sacrifices.

In his message in conjunction with International Firefighters’ Day today, he said every moment of emergency demands extraordinary courage, and it is in such critical times that firefighters step forward without hesitation to shoulder the responsibility of protecting lives and property.

“In conjunction with International Firefighters’ Day celebrated today, I would like to record my appreciation to all JBPM personnel for their commitment, discipline and sacrifices,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, also prayed that all firemen would continue to be granted strength, protection and resilience in carrying out that great responsibility. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today extended International Firefighters’ Day 2026 greetings to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) personnel.

In a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page, His Majesty expressed appreciation for the service, sacrifices, and steadfast commitment of the “Red Heroes”, always ready to risk their lives for public safety and national wellbeing.

Sultan Ibrahim also expressed pride in the vital role JBPM plays in handling emergencies, from fires and natural disasters to rescue operations.

The King also prayed for the safety and protection of all firefighters and personnel as they carry out their duties.

“Al-Fatihah for those who have left us forever. May they be placed among the faithful and the martyrs,” Sultan Ibrahim said. — Bernama