Rapid development of information technology lately has provided the world with advanced tools and ways of communication.Among those that have been developed that gain rapid and widespread use is the mobile phone and “Wide Fidelity” or more commonly known as WiFi. While the scientific world is discussing the risks associated with Wifi, and many developed countries especially the European countries have taken cautious steps about it use, the government of Penang insisted to proceed the implementation of Wireless @ Penang project that will cover the entire island pinang with radio frequency emission wave.

The government of Penang insisted to proceed the implementation of Wireless @ Penang project

In fact, based on the recent scientific investigations on Wifi, a great deal of evidence has been collected that suggest there are risks associated with theradio frequency emission wave of Wifi. Babies, children, elderly and those identified as sensitive to radio frequency emission wave are especially vulnerable to the detrimental effects of Wifi. The impact on health of such group of people will be much worse should they be exposed to the emission all day long for a long period of time.

In fact, the world is still awaiting WHO to put a stand on the safety of radio frequency emission wave from Wifi. Meanwhile, WHO has issued an advice “Precuationary Approach” to the authority involved in using this technology.Through the Commission of International Electromagnetic Safety (ICEMS), professional bodies that are actively investigating the effect of radio emission urged the world especially the authority that manage this technology to be more sensitive to the potential health risks of the public.

I urged the government of Penang to exclude schools, residential areas and recreational parks from the coverage of this radiofrequency emission.

I commented that so long as there is no 100% guarantee that the frequency of this radio emission is safe, then we should be careful and more caution against its widespread use. I urged the government of Penang to exclude schools, residential areas and recreational parks from the coverage of this radiofrequency emission for the sake of the people’s health especially the children. He also urged the state government to furnish the public with information on correct usage of Wifi.

by Dr Thor Teong Gee
General Practitioner