ASKED ON ACTION TAKEN BY MCMC AGAINST HAPHAZARD TOWERS WITH EXCESSIVE RADIATION READING, ALI SAID THE REGULATORY BODY DEMOLISHED 10 TELECOMMUNCIATION STRUCTURES HERE OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS.

Telco towers' radiation 'within safety limit'

People has voiced concerns over the dangers posed by telecommunication structures, like the one here on the rooftop of an apartment block.

GEORGE TOWN 2011/07/29: Radiation emissions from telecommunication towers in the state are within safety limit.

The results were obtained following extensive tests by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The three-week test, commissioned by MCMC and conducted by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency between June 6 to July 16, showed that the emission levels were healthy.

MCMC resource planning and industry development chief officer Mohd Ali Hanafiah said the electromagnectic field (EMF) emission from telecommunication structures was well below the prescribed international exposure limit.

"Our findings have allayed public concern on radiation exposure in Penang. The telecommunication structures have all complied with the mandatory standards and pose no radiation threat to anyone."

Ali said public complaints prompted the MCMC to initiatie testings in densely populated areas on the island and the mainland.

He also said that there were about 800 sites in Penang fitted with telecommunication structures, either at the buildings' rooftops or standalone structures.

Of the total, he said 52 sites were selected for testings based on public complaints.

Asked on action taken by MCMC against haphazard towers with excessive radiation reading, Ali said the regulatory body demolished 10 telecommunciation structures here over the last two years.

"We have the option to reduce the transmission power from a telecommunication tower instead of removing it."

He added that the MCMC would advise the local councils to revoke the operating permits of telecommunication service providers which failed to pass the radiation tests.

Ali also added that radiation tests would be conducted throughout Malaysia to ensure the emission levels adhere to the international safety standards at all times.