KUCHING - High-speed 5G network towers are safe and are not harmful to people's health.

Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) general manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng said, nevertheless concerns about radiation from telecommunication structures have been taken into account, and health remains a priority when building these communication facilities.

"I would like to stress that based on extensive studies and measurements, electromagnetics field (EMF) emissions drom radio communications infrastructures in public areas are very low and pose no health risks to the surrounding population.

"It is essential to rely on accurate data rather than unsubstantiated rumours from unverified sources,"he said during SMA's media appreciation night, attended by 50 media practitioners at Borneo Cultures Museum yesterday (Oct 24).

"Through programmes like this, we hope that the media can help convey accurate information about EMF and help to educate the public.

"This is turn can help to allay public fears on these structures,"he added.

On another note, Tiong said 5G network can connect a million devices in a one-square kilometre area, compared to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology which can only connect 1,000 devices.

"Over the past five years, both the Sarawak and federal governments, through teh Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), have made substantial investments in telecommunication infrastructures, with the aim of providing conenctivity to all Sarawakians.

"Currently, coverage stands at 63.5 percent, and we anticipate it will reach 93.87 percent by the end of 2023 through initiatives liek SMART 600, JENDELA and Clawback.

"In alignment with the national vision, we're actively workig together with Digital National Berhad (DNB) to establish a 5G ecosystem in Sarawak. Malaysia has been making significant strides in implementing 5G broadband cellular technology, which is 100 times faster than 4G, he added.

Tiong said 5G network holds the potential to revolutions daily lives, from work to leisure and daily activities.

“With speeds of up to 10Gbps, it can greatly enhance business, manufacturing, logistics, smart agriculture, and more.

“Implementing a high-speed 5G network requires a robust and closely spaced telecommunication infrastructure, which is currently being installed by service providers in residential areas in Sarawak’s cities,” he added.