The Penang government wants the opponents of its free wireless cyber initiative – the Wifi and Wimax projects - to move out of the way of the state’s technological advancement drive.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was critical of the certain quarters who have raised concerns against the state cyber initiative on health grounds.

He said the Wifi and Wimax projects were to benefit all Penangites.

penang anti isa forum 150908 lim guan eng “This is in line with the state goal to turn Penang into an advanced international city in the next few years. I can’t understand why are they objecting against technological advancement,” he told newsmen at the preview of Wimax@Penang, jointly presented by the state government and Packet One Network (M) Sdn Bhd at the Penang Development Corporation (PDC)

The chief minister also slammed the group for merely opposing the projects without producing any evidence to support their claim that wireless systems were hazardous to public health.

“Until today no one has proven that wireless system endangers health,” he said when asked about the objections raised by a group of residents in George Town.

Last Saturday, a small group of residents in Georgetown, calling themselves 'concerned residents' argued that the health impact of Wifi was parallel to that caused by telecommunication transmission towers, which have always been a target of protest by local residents for the past decade.

Launched last Friday, The ‘Penang free Wifi’ was the first step in making Penang the country’s first Wifi state.

The initiative, which is the first component of the state’s Wireless@Penang project, is aimed at giving Penangites free wireless internet service across the state in the next 24 months.

The project is undertaken by content manager REDtone Telecommunications Sdn Bhd and service enabler Hotgate Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, which will set up 750 wireless access points over the next one year.

As part of the Penang wireless project, Wimax@Penang project is to provide free wireless broadband services for all internet users.

The project is undertaken by Packet One (P1), subsidiary of public listed Green Packet Bhd, in a partnership with the state government.

P1 aims at least 75 percent wireless broadband population coverage by 2009 with at least 25 percent of Penangites using the broadband service.

Be more realistic

Meanwhile, Lim urged critics to be more realistic and not to stand in the state government’s way of transforming Penang into a technologically vibrant, progressive and dynamic state.

He said the wireless internet service would boost the state business fundamentals and help lure foreign investments.

“I cannot understand why and what they are protesting about. The wireless projects will surely benefit all Penangites, its economy growth and develop a strong pool of cyber workforce,” he said.

Asked whether the state government has carried out any health study prior to the implementation of the projects, he said it would not be necessary since wireless service had never been proven by anyone as a health hazard despite numerous researches carried out worldwide over the years.

He also brushed aside as ‘unrealistic’ the suggestions that the state government should have consulted the public before implementing the projects.

"Don’t tell me, the state government has to consult the public each time it wants to carry out beneficial infrastructure projects, such as Wifi, Wimax, roads, schools and hospitals?” he asked.