Authorities in Battambang province have ordered that the installation of a new telephone tower be halted, local officials said on Monday. The announcement comes after 58 families last week protested against the construction of the new tower, saying that it posed a health risk to surrounding communities. Chhay Sameth, director of the provincial Department of Posts and Telecommunications, said that the company installing the tower did not have official permission to do so. Chea Sangvar Malatey, a representative of the families who protested last Friday, said the group strongly opposed the tower. “We are looking out for their activity and we will protest again in case the authorities allow the telephone company to install it again,” she said.