Tension rises over power lines near houses
Malaysiakini.com
Dec 5, 2006
Wong Yeen Fern

Residents of Jalan Sibu 1in Taman Wahyu, Selayang, are fearful of the health hazards that emissions from high tension power lines could pose for them in the long run. 

Parti Rakyat Keadilan (PKR) information bureau chief Tian Chua said children and the elderly would be especially vulnerable to cancer and brain tumours, which are said to be linked to emissions from such infrastructure.

At a press conference today, he said high tension power lines and pylons should always be located away from residential areas to protect human health.

Chua criticised Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) for not having considered this factor and for not having found alternative methods.

One pylon - suspected to be the first of several - has been built at the back of two houses. Residents also worry that the power lines will run over their houses or along the back of the houses.

He said the residents were shocked that TNB did not notify them in advance that the power lines were to be installed.

“It is inconsiderate of the government to ignore the existence of residents,” he said, calling for controls over such installations in housing estates.

TNB to respond tomorrow

When contacted, a TNB official said a response would be issued tomorrow.

A resident, who only wanted to be identified as Ong, said piling work started three months ago and that the pylon was completed last Thursday.

“It is too late to do anything about it now...but the project should not even have started,” he said.

Chua said PKR will seek a dialogue session with TNB probably next week, to discuss the matter.

“We will also make an appointment to meet the minister of energy, water and telecommunications, Dr Lim Keng Yaik, to discuss the need for strict guidelines,” he added. 

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