The tower, to be erected at Taman Supreme, along Jalan Nyato here, is said to enable high-speed broadband access and improved phone services when complete.
A total of 98 residents however have signed a petition to Sacofa Sdn Bhd to halt the construction of the tower after foundation work began early last month.
Representing the group was Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen and Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong.
Speaking to reporters at the construction site, Chong said the parties involved in the construction of the tower should have considered the opinions of the residents first.
“There is a conflict between the interests of the people here and those who would benefit from such a tower,” said Chong, adding the tower would also provide coverage for the nearby VivaCity Megamall.
He said residents had expressed worry that the existence of such a tower would lower property value.
“They (Sacofa) should not have gone into an existing residential area and built it (the tower) against the wishes of the homeowners,” he said.
Lim Kuet Wong, 75, a resident who has lived in the housing estate for 40 years, also questioned if the erection of the tower would negatively affect his health.
“It also looks very ugly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sacofa denied there would be any side-effects to one’s health.
Its corporate affairs officer Mohamad Sait said the radio frequency (RF) emission was 790 times lower than permitted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and that all international standards had been complied with.
“There are no health effects at all. The emissions are far below safety levels,” he said, adding that the tower would act as both a transmitter and a receiver.
He added a study had been conducted and the site at Taman Supreme was ideally located and fully complied with the guidelines of the sale and purchase agreements.
“The structure is to meet LTE and 4G coverage requirements, which is determined by frequency use.”
Mohamad declined however to comment when asked if the tower would affect property value in the area.