Cloud seeding operations will only be performed if the National Security Council (MKN) chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak declares a drought state of emergency.

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said this was stated in the Standing Order for Drought Operations, which would be handled by the Meteorological Department and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

He said as on Friday, the department had received applications for cloud seeding operations from dam managements in Selangor, Sarawak and Negeri Sembilan.

"The applications had been forwarded to the MKN to be discussed and brought to the prime minister's attention, so that the cost of the operations could be funded by the government."

He said this to reporters after attending the launch of the RM1.4 million Melaka SIRIM Innocraft by State Agriculture and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasan Abdul Rahman in Batu Berendam here on Friday.

Abu Bakar said suitable cloud formation for the purpose was expected to occur on February 25 or 26.

He said the department and the RMAF were also prepared to carry out cloud seeding operations in dam areas in Selangor, Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, soon after receiving the government's approval.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Science, Technology and Innovation, Energy, Green Technology and Water Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said the people in Terengganu need not to worry about water supply issues even though the state was also affected by the dry weather that swept across the country at the moment.

He said this was because Terengganu still had sufficient water supply even though the water level in the Kenyir Dam in Hulu Terengganu was dropping.

"Overall, the water supply in the state is under control, but the people are reminded not to waste water," said Razif.