Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) has claimed that it complies with emission standards set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in installing high tension power lines in residential areas.

Head of external communications Sidek Kamiso also said the amount of emissions from the electromagnetic field (EMF) around TNB power lines is too low to be a hazard to human health.

"Based on TNB studies, the amount is only between 3mG to 20mG. WHO (has set a minimum acceptable) exposure (level) of 1,000mG for the public and 5,000mG for workers in the construction field," he told malaysiakini in an email response.

(mG, or milligauss, is a means of measuring EMF emissions.)

"Based on the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines set by WHO, this exposure to EMF will not cause any negative impact of health to the public."

He was responding to fears expressed by Taman Wahyu residents in Selayang, following the installation of a high tension cable pylon behind their houses.

Sidek pointed out that TNB also follows these guidelines when installing power lines.

"Under the guidelines, the distance between the centre of transmission line and the boundary of transmission lines must be a minimum of 10 metres. TNB had never compromised on this boundary," he noted.

Indirect feedback process

To a question as to whether TNB should alert residents that high tension power lines would be installed, Sidek said this is the responsibility of the local authority.

TNB is allowed to install high tension cables, sub-stations and distribution cables under the Electricity Supply Act 1990.

Sidek reiterated that all necessary approvals are obtained from the local council, land office and state government for such work.

"Although TNB does not directly seek the permission of affected residents, the local authorities should take into consideration their comments or objections during the approval process," he said.

There are currently more than 16,500km of high tension transmission lines in Peninsular Malaysia.

"As Malaysia develops, new high tension transmission lines need to be built and the existing lines need to be upgraded," Sidek said.

Asked about the construction of high tension cables in Selayang, he said the cables are to be upgraded from 30kv to 275kv.

"The project is part of the Central Area Reinforcement project to strengthen the supply system in Klang Valley," he added.