Report on EMF Activities – Malaysia
14th International Advisory Committee Meeting June 2009
General Research Activities
The Ministry of Health (MOH) initiated research projects related to Non-ionising
radiation (NIR) with the cooperation of government agencies and local universities in
2008. The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in
collaboration with the University Technology Malaysia (UTM) and the Tenaga
University (UNITEN) are carrying out a research project entitled Radio Frequency
Radiation (RFR) Preliminary Study for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) and
Mobile Phone Base Stations in Malaysia. The objective of this project is to study the
level of RFR emitted by WLAN and mobile phone base stations in Malaysia with the
intention of establishing a national RFR database.
In addition, the University of Malaya (UM) and University Putra Malaysia (UPM) are
respectively in the process of conducting research on the following projects:
i. The use of Radiofrequency (RF) for breast cancer detection;
ii. Electromagnetic field interferences in the proximity of an electric distribution
substation;
iii. Power frequency magnetic field exposure assessment for cast resin transformer
substations in buildings and office complexes
iv. Electromagnetic Field (EMF) exposure for residential areas.
v. Mitigation techniques for ELF exposure using passive shielding materials
vi. Investigating the RF EMF Radiation Effect covering frequency range of 800
MHz to 2.5 GHz with specific interest on activities of GSM phones, GSM Base
Stations, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Hotspots and Bluetooth.
Policies and Legislation
Malaysia is still in the process of developing appropriate legislative frameworks for the
control of NIR usage. The first Malaysian Standard for Controlling Exposure to Time
Varying Electric, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields (Part 1: up to 3 kHz) is waiting
waiting to be gazetted. The draft document for Part 2 comprising 3 kHz to 300 GHz
was completed by the technical committee and is awaiting public comments. The
Malaysian Standard on Diagnostic & Therapeutic Non-Ionizing Radiation comprising
four focal parts (MRI, ultrasound, medical lasers and ultraviolet) has been initiated.
In Malaysia, MCMC is the regulatory agency that governs the telecommunications
industry via the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588). The energy
industry is governed by the Energy Commission (EC) using the Electricity Supply Act
1990 and the Electrical Supply Regulations 1993. The Ministry of Housing and Local
Government has endorsed two guidelines on the physical siting of mobile phone base
stations or high power transmission lines. These are the Electricity Distribution Base
Planning Standard and the Planning Guidelines on Telecommunication Transmission
Structures and Base Stations.
14th IAC Meeting, Country Report Malaysia 2009
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The Malaysian Government is at present adopting the precautionary approach to EMF
exposure as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to manage any
perceived health risks. Malaysia continues to adopt the International Commission on
Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) standards for exposure limits. The
precautionary measures taken are:
i. Restricting the construction and installation of mobile phone base station(s) in
hospital and school compounds;
ii. Prohibiting the use of mobile phone(s) in the critical areas of hospitals;
Public Concern and National Responses
The proposal by a state government to provide free WiFi caused public concern on the
possibility of adverse health effects from the EMF exposure. The state government,
together with the MCMC and MOH organized a public talk to educate and increase
public awareness on EMF safety.
There is concern on the possibility of electromagnetic interference (EMI) to medical
equipment in critical areas from the rapid development of telecommunication and
wireless networking technology. The MOH in collaboration with the Malaysian Nuclear
Agency is conducting site measurements in order to ensure the radiation level is below
the recommended value.
Two public complaints on the issue of substation or transformer sites within a building
are being investigated by the MOH and associated organizations.
To address public concerns the MOH is:
i. Continuously monitoring the updated scientific findings on health risks
associated with long term exposure to low level EMF;
ii. Developing a framework to regulate NIR activities;
iii. Conducting research with local universities on possible health effects from EMF
exposure;
iv. Disseminating information on the latest findings on EMF issues to the public;
Public Information
The MOH, MCMC, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, together with other government
agencies continue to conduct seminars/ forums related to EMF safety with the aim of
creating awareness and disseminating the necessary information to address the
concerns of the general public on the adverse effects from EMF. The document, “A
Guidance to Safety and Health Aspects of Base Stations and Mobile Phones” has
been uploaded on the official MOH website for public access.
Prepared by:
Engineering Services Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, June 2009
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