The Johor state government has come under fire for failing to take action on illegal telecommunication antennae despite assuring a group of disgruntled residents that it would dismantle one of such illegal structure following a police report.

On Feb 8, a resident lodged a police report against Celcom Bhd for erecting an illegal transmission antenna at the Taman Ungku Tun Aminah housing estate in Skudai near Johor Baru.

According Ng Ngan Kee, 38, chairperson of a residents committee against the illegal transmission towers, the residents are disappointed that the state government could not give its commitment to dismantle the illegally erected transmission antenna.

Were not preventing these companies from putting up their telecom antennae but put it far away from housing and business areas. We hope the state government will find a suitable place for them, he said.

Last Friday, a group of eight representatives from various housing estates in Skudai met with Johor state executive councillor for local government, Jimmy Liew, to discuss the problems posed by the illegally erected antennae.

Human rights group Suaram member, Eugene Tan, who was present at the dialogue, told malaysiakini the Johor state government had given an assurance that it would now freeze the erection of all such transmission antennae.

He said state government authorities would hire a contractor to dismantle all antennae put up after the freeze is implemented and the cost would be charged to the telecommunication companies concerned.

Liew could not be contacted to confirm this.

Decreased sexual drive

The residents, when interviewed, highlighted their concerns over the possible health hazards posed by the antennae and urged the state government to place a priority on their health and safety.

They pointed out there was still no conclusive medical proof that the radiation emitted by the antennae, even those certified by international standards, had no ill-effects on nearby population.

Residents from the affected areas have complained of recurring headaches, insomnia and even decreased libido.