By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
CHEMOR: “The quarry issue has yet to be resolved, and now a telecommunications tower has appeared.”
That is the concern raised by residents of RPT Batu 10, Chepor, who are questioning the construction of a telecommunications tower near their residential area, estimated to be more than 100 metres from their homes.
More concerning is that the tower is reportedly located near an area that previously came under scrutiny following a viral issue involving mineral extraction activities, which had raised concerns among residents.
Residents want to know which authority approved the construction of the telecommunications tower and whether all relevant procedures and assessments were carried out before construction began.
A resident said they were not against telecommunications facilities, but the location of the tower, which is relatively close to their homes, had raised questions and concerns.
“The issue of mineral extraction activities has yet to be resolved, and now there is a telecommunications tower.
“The question is, who approved its construction? Has the local authority or relevant agency assessed whether the location is suitable?” said the resident, who declined to be named.
The resident said the authorities should not take their concerns lightly but instead conduct an inspection and review the approval if necessary.
Residents also raised questions about long-term safety and health concerns given that the telecommunications tower is located near their homes.
“We need an explanation based on facts and reports from the authorities and technical agencies. Residents should not be left wondering,” the resident said.
Meanwhile, the status of the mineral extraction activities in the area also remains a concern among residents.
They said no mineral extraction activities had been observed in the area since the issue went viral previously.
However, residents want to know whether the activities have been stopped permanently or merely suspended temporarily.
“After the issue went viral, we have not seen the activities taking place as before. But what is the actual status?
“Has it been stopped permanently or only temporarily? Residents have the right to know what action has been taken,” the resident said.
The questions arose after a report on the activities was reportedly presented by the Perak Land and Mines Office (PTG) to Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
Residents hope the state government and relevant agencies will explain the follow-up action taken regarding the report.
They said the telecommunications tower issue had now added another question for residents who were still waiting for clarification on the status of the mineral extraction activities in the area.
Residents stressed that they were not against development or the need for better telecommunications coverage, but safety, location suitability, approval procedures and the interests of residents should be given priority.
They hope the authorities will provide an open explanation to address their concerns and prevent the issue from continuing to cause anxiety among residents.
