By : SHALINA R
DUE to the popularity of
electronic gadgets that use Radio Frequency (RF) technology for communication,
a number of individuals have expressed their concern over the mass availability
of telecommunication towers around them and its effects on health.
Such concerns were expressed
by Datuk Johnny Goh (Inanam) on the 2nd day of the State Assembly meeting's Q
& A session.
There are currently 10
telecommunication towers in Inanam. According to Assistant Minister of the
Resource Development and Information Technology Ministry, Datuk Jainab Ahmad
Ayid, relevant guidelines which were set by the Ministry of Housing and Local
Government are adhered to and it is part of the decision making process before
the installation or the construction of a communication structure.
This guideline takes into
account the safety of the workers and the public close to the vicinity of any
telecommunication tower placed on a building. Prior to the installation or
construction of a communication facility, a technical review from agencies like
the Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Aviation Department and Sabah Electricity
Sdn Bhd (SESB) are sought out.
The minimum distance from a
tower below and above 45 meters in height, to the nearest existing residential
building is 20 and 30 meters respectively. While the minimum distance of a
tower to a commercial building, below and above 45 meters in height, is 10 and
15 meters respectively.
Industrial buildings should
be 5 meters away from a tower below 45 meters in height and 10 meters away from
a tower that is above 45 meters in height.
Jainab said, "These
measurements are guidelines that fulfill the aesthetic and physical safety
requirements of the occupants."
She stressed, "The
Malaysian Nuclear Agency and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
has issued a statement that there is no evidence that the waves generated from
the telecommunication towers are harmful to the human health." (Insight
Sabah)
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