Flyers warning of ‘wifi radiation’ health risks put up in Serangoon, town council says they have been removed

Several flyers warning of the dangers of "Wi-Fi radiation" were found taped inside the lifts of several HDB blocks along Upper Serangoon Road.

According to Shin Min Daily News, they had received a tip-off from one of their readers, who claimed that the flyers appeared suddenly in the morning of Sep. 4.

The hand-written flyers urged readers to turn off their wireless routers when not in use, claiming the radiation emitted would harm one's health.

“Don’t live in Wi-Fi radiation all day everyday! Your life is more important,” the flyers read.

Though the flyers left residents baffled, many of them dismissed the claims as fake news, and condemned the act as vandalism.

"You shouldn't be putting up things in public places randomly"

When reporters from Shin Min visited the estate, they found identical flyers put up in the lifts at blocks 365B, 365C and 365D.

One of the residents, a 57-year-old woman surnamed Ng, said that she was on her way out to buy groceries at around 7am on Sep. 4 when she first noticed the flyer in the lift.

Another resident, a 50-year-old woman surnamed Lim, claimed that she saw the flyer at about 6am, but added that it was removed by 9am later the same day.

"You shouldn't be putting up things in public places randomly," she said. "I don't believe (what the note says), it's absurd."

Risha (transliterated), who is a housewife, told Shin Min that while she was not too concerned about the radiation emitted by wireless routers, other people might be.

She added in their neighbourhood group chat, many residents were criticising whoever who put up the flyers without permission and spread fake news, while some others explained that the wireless routers do not pose health risks.

Flyers have been taken down

In response to Mothership's queries, Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC) confirmed that it had inspected the affected HDB blocks and noted that the flyers have been taken down.

AHTC added that any notices, posters or any other form of public messaging must be approved by the Town Council before being displayed in common areas.

"Unauthorised postings can cause unnecessary alarm or confusion and may contravene the Town Council’s by-laws."

Posting unauthorised notices can be an offence

Lawyers told Shin Min that the act of posting such unauthorised notices could be considered illegal and may result in fines or imprisonment.

A lawyer from Invictus Law Corporation stated that the act could be considered an offence under the Vandalism Act or the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act.

If convicted of vandalism, a person could face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to S$2,000.

If convicted of public nuisance, a person could face a fine of up to S$1,000.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News, Google Street View