Residents protest construction of telco tower in their area
KUCHING: Residents of Lorong Batu Kawa 3C are protesting the installation of a new cell tower in the residential area.
Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jien said according to the residents, the authorities concerned did not consult them on their plan to construct the cell tower nor did they have any dialogue with them to address any concerns.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), our team met with the residents and listened to their plight. The residents have embarked on collecting signatures from all the other residents to protest the construction of the said tower right in the middle of their residential area.
“We will assist the residents in submitting the petition to relevant authorities,” said Chong in a statement yesterday.
He added the residents’ main concern is the risk to their health from the long-term and constant exposure to the radiation and electromagnetic waves that will be emitted from the transmission equipment to be attached to the said tower in future when it is in use.
“Aside from that, the residents are also concerned that the perceived health risk will also potentially lower the area’s economic value.
“This was not the first time our team had urged the authority to at least engage the residents by having dialogue before any planned installation of a new cell tower in the residential area. A win-win situation for both parties as both sides are able to voice their point of view on the matter.
“As such, I call upon the state government to respect the residents’ wishes in the area and immediately stop the construction of the said telco tower,” he said.