(From third left) Harrison looking at the telco tower’s foundation at Persiaran Serai Wangi 2 in Bandar Seri Coalfields, Sungai Buloh.
THE construction of a telecommunications tower along Persiaran Serai Wangi 2, in Bandar Seri Coalfields, should stop until discussions are held with residents, says Jeram assemblyman Datuk Harrison Hassan.
He said this during a protest staged by 25 residents at the project site.
The residents were from Senna Residences and Hampton Residences, both in Bandar Seri Coalfields, Sungai Buloh in Selangor.
Ng Si Jian, 48, said a letter had been written to Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (MPKS), highlighting residents’ concern over the telco tower’s proximity to their homes as they feared the health effects.
“According to Prof Dr Adlina Suleiman from Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can have biological effects including sleep disturbances, headaches, reduced concentration, fatigue, dizziness, cardiovascular problems and altered reflexes,” he said.
Resident Woo Wai Kuan said a notice on the project, placed at the end of Persiaran Serai Wangi 2, was not noticeable as that particular road was used by only a few motorists.
“Residents found out about the notice on Aug 10,” she said.
Residents claimed that area councillor for Zone 18 Siew Seow Cheok was also unaware of the project.
They said they had complained to the Prime Minister’s Office and MPKS but were told that the project had been approved.
The complaint was then forwarded to the Selangor Economic Planning Unit (Upen) and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Woo described the approval process as flawed because residents were not given a fair chance to voice their concerns.
Harrison, who was also unaware of the project, said it was irresponsible for state agencies to approve the project without consulting residents.
“Housing estates involve residents and they need to be consulted concerning developments or construction sites that may have adverse effects on them,” he said.
He assured that he would get in touch with MPKS and other agencies regarding the project.
“These government agencies have to meet residents and get their feedback before continuing work on the telco tower.
“They should stop the project and engage with residents,” Harrison said, adding that the area was densely populated and that there were other areas for the telco tower to be installed.
