PETALING JAYA: The Defence Ministry has denied rumours that the Royal Malaysian Air Force is using strong chemicals to make rain.

The rumour which was spread via a viral text message advised people to stay away from the rain as it apparently is harmful to the skin.

Ministry spokesperson Lt Commander Karimah Awi said that the rumour was not true.

“It is false and the only one who is responsible to inform about the chemical composition for cloud seeding is the Meteorological Department,” she said when contacted Monday.

The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry also denied the rumours.

Minister Datuk Madius Tangau said the chemical used in the cloud seeding operations is Natrium Chloride, or table salt.

“This salt is safe and has no bad side effects on the environment and health of the public.

“I would like to clarify that the quantity of the salt used for cloud seeding operations has not changed and no other chemicals have been added,” he said in a statement on Monday.

– The Star