Rehda backing for WiFi

The Penang branch of the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia(Rehda) will continue to support the Penang Free WiFi project unless there is conclusive evidence that the wireless network poses a health hazard to the public.

Its association chairman Datuk Jerry Chan said Penangites stood to benefit greatly from the wireless network which is made available to them at no cost.

“Many advanced cities in the world are or are in the midst of being equipped with WiFi service.

“Moreover, hotspots are already widely implemented in hotels, offices and other entertainment centres,” he said in a press statement in George Town yesterday.

Chan said the wireless network offers added convenience for business and the public at large.

“Rehda is in agreement with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) that the facility will be the envy of other states and that Penang is progressive in this Information Age,” he said.

On Oct 8, it was reported that FMM said unproven concerns raised about health risks posed by the electromagnetic transmission of the WiFi and WiMAX services should not impede or delay Penang Government’s plans to introduce such free services in the state.

In early September, the state launched the free WiFi service under its Wireless@PENANG initiative which would eventually cover 750 hotspots in the state over the next 15 months.

Last month, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the WiMAX service would be made available in stages from December.

His announcement had caused the Consumers Association of Penang to voice its concern on possible health hazards posed.

by The Star

1 comment

October 13, 2008 at 8:53 AMchinatown

That is a great news for all PG's residents. Just wondering why there are so many ppl disagree with the move! Move forward and NOT move backward. Btw, is the hotspot going to cover housing areas? or just tourism spot?? anyway i can check the plan hotspot? TQ