Category: Asia Noise News

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Condo life is being destroyed by noise pollution

Bangkok’s condominium market is booming because of the city’s ever-changing skyline and its incredible views, modern interiors, and unmatched amenities. However, noise insulation is a frequently disregarded factor that every buyer should give top priority before making an investment. With insufficient soundproofing, the din of urban life can become a constant disruption as cities get denser.

The urban conveniences of owning a condominium in Bangkok are what attract many people to it. Purchasing a condo in this city ensures a luxurious and hassle-free lifestyle, from the attraction of its thriving nightlife and delicious food to the convenience of its business areas. However, picture arriving at your new sanctuary to find the annoying disruption of outside (traffic) noise, or worse, noise from your neighbors.

You cannot rely on regulations to ensure that you won’t be disturbed by noise from your neighbors because there is no legislation regarding noise between condominiums in Thailand.

There are two types of noise that can disturb the peaceful sound environment you are expecting: airborne noise and structural noise.

Airborne noise can come from TV, music, neighbors conversing loudly, and other sources. Additionally, factories, entertainment centers, and traffic noise can all produce airborne noise. Installations within your home, such as air conditioning units, fans, and noise from the neighbor’s plumbing (from showers and toilet flushing, among other things), can also produce airborne noise.

Structural borne noise is caused by vibrations in the construction of a condominium; think of people walking on a floor with high heels, a gym with falling weights, a condominium that is next to a lift shaft or since recently, a condominium that is next to an automated car park lift, the origin of the noise heard in the condominium has a structural borne source.

The human ear is designed to pick up sounds, and while it’s a boon in quieter, natural settings, in a bustling city, it becomes a bane. Continuous exposure to noise affects our sleep patterns, concentration, and can have long-term psychological effects.

Prioritise noise insulation

It is the duty of condominium developers to provide not only visually beautiful designs but also units that ensure seclusion, calm, and tranquility. Noise insulation is not given much priority because the rush to construct as many condominium projects at the lowest possible cost is underway. The developers are still using the same lightweight concrete blocks—between 10 and 12 centimeters—to build the walls and floors as they did thirty years ago. At most, the noise reduction will be about 40 dB, or STC (Sound Transmission Loss). However, buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of this. (most of the times unfortunately after they bought their condo) and voice their complaints as a “owners group”; they want more value for their money and are unhappy that the outdated standards are still in place. They will complain to the developers and make them put in place noise mitigation measures if they feel that even the lowest standards are not being met.

Check before purchase

Considering the significance of soundproofing, prospective homeowners ought to take proactive measures to guarantee their new condominium provides adequate noise absorption. What you can do is as follows:

Inquire about the types of building materials that were used; developers and agents ought to be able to furnish specifics. The STC between the condominiums will be determined by the walls and floors, in particular. To ensure that you are not concerned about this, it would even be preferable if the contract included a clause regarding noise reduction. Developers can forecast a building’s noise insulation in a variety of ways during the design stage.

Simply request the acoustic report when purchasing a new condo to ensure that the values will meet your needs.

A Sound Transmission Coefficient of 50dB—basically, the amount of noise blocked from your neighbors—is a recommended value for privacy in a condominium; the higher the better.

An STC value of about 55 dB would be found, for instance, in a five-star hotel.

The Path Forward

Noise insulation is a top priority for both developers and buyers as Bangkok’s condominium market soars and the city continues to thrive. It’s not only about keeping the house quiet; it’s also about protecting mental health, guaranteeing sound sleep, and improving life in general.

It is recommended that prospective purchasers view noise insulation as a must-have feature in their new condominium. By doing this, they can ensure a calm haven in the middle of Bangkok, free from the constant energy of the city.

We have received complaints from purchasers of newly constructed condominiums, and a large number of them express dissatisfaction upon moving into their new residence. It is very expensive and difficult to improve the noise transmission loss once it has been purchased. The extra expenses are well worth it if the design is sound from the beginning.

References

www.bangkokpost.com

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Tribunal board in Singapore rejects condo owner’s complaint about noise from water pump

SINGAPORE – The legal attempt by a condominium resident to have the pump system in the Seletar estate turned off after she complained about noise from a pump that powers a water feature in the complex failed.

A request to “switch off the noisy fountain pump immediately” was made in an application that Ms. Liu Xiaoyu submitted to the Strata Titles Board. The condo’s management corporation strata title (MCST) was involved.

The board denied her application, stating that she was unable to provide evidence that the noise she had complained about was exclusively related to the pump, in a decision released on November 21.

In an expert report, Ms. Liu, who was representing herself, claimed that the noise level in her ground-floor apartment was higher than what the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended for community noise in particular settings.

The board took notice of the information in the report that suggested there were additional noise sources besides the pump and the water feature, such as foot and vehicle traffic and noise from the nearby Greenwich V shopping center.

The board also observed that Ms. Liu acknowledged, during cross-examination, that her bedroom was noisier than her balcony, which was next to the pump, because of the noise from the mall’s parking lot.

She produced an audio recording of the purported noise, but she acknowledged that it was only the sound of the running water, which was her original reason for buying the unit.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) does not currently have any regulations dictating the noise levels of water pumps or other features in residential areas.

In an expert report, the MCST—represented by Mr. Daniel Chen and Mr. Drashy Trivedi of Lee & Lee—stated that the noise level was within the NEA guideline on boundary noise emission limits for mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems in non-industrial buildings.

The MCST expert proved during the hearing that Singapore could not meet the WHO guidelines, which state that bedrooms should not have any noise level higher than 30 weighted decibels, or dbA.

A quick audio recording during a quiet moment in the room yielded a weighted decibel reading of 44.7.

This implies that WHO guidelines “may not be practicable in a highly urbanized city-state like Singapore,” according to the board.

It also mentioned that levels recommended by the US and UK urban sound guidelines are higher than those recommended by the WHO.

The board stated that the applicant had not demonstrated, on the balance of probabilities, that the noise levels of the fountain pump were objectively undesirable under the facts of the case.

On May 31, 2021, Ms. Liu, who resides with her aging parents, purchased the apartment through a resale transaction.

The family previously resided in a HDB apartment in Yishun, but she stated she made the decision to move to a condo in order to give her parents, who are retired, a “more peaceful environment.”

She felt that the sound of the water had a calming effect, so she bought the unit that was next to the swimming pool.

Shortly after moving in, in July 2021, Ms. Liu and her parents complained to the then-manager of the condominium about noise.

According to her, the sound came from a water feature that features water pouring into a feature pool from the top of a wall. In the feature pool, the pump is hidden beneath a grating, and the wall faces away from her unit.

Given that Ms. Liu had seen the water feature several times prior to making the purchase, the MCST contended that she had purchased the unit with her eyes wide open.

It also mentioned that the unit’s previous owners, who had occupied it for more than six years, had not filed any complaints with it.

The board noted in its ruling that noise tolerance levels are arbitrary and that what is tolerable to one person may not be to others.

On the other hand, it stated that it must make decisions regarding noise from an impartial and moral standpoint.

The board also expressed sympathy for Ms. Liu’s situation and wished her family an amicable resolution.

References

www.straitstimes.com

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Residents of Ang Mo Kio are complaining about the noise from the MRT construction

Residents of Ang Mo Kio are complaining about the noise from the MRT construction; one person covers a window with a mattress.

It was way past midnight.

Therefore, why was Block 424 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 still under construction?

The noise was described as “totally unbearable” by one resident.


“This has been the same every night from Monday to Saturday for over a month,” Stomp contributor Vincent wrote, attaching a video of two cranes that were still in operation at 3.30 a.m.

Every night, earplugs are required for the family member who stays in the front rooms. To go asleep, my daughter needs to be extremely exhausted.”

Along with the picture, he posted was of his neighbor blocking out the racket by leaning a mattress up against a window.

The North-South Line’s Ang Mo Kio MRT station is directly across the street from where the Stomp contributor resides.

The upcoming Cross-Island Line is the purpose of the construction.

A Land Transport Authority (LTA) representative responded to a Stomp inquiry by saying, “LTA is currently carrying out diaphragm wall construction works for the Cross Island Line-Ang Mo Kio interchange station.”

When building a diaphragm wall, a large volume of concrete is poured into the excavated area to form the wall structure. This process requires deep excavation.

“For safety reasons, these works must be carried out continuously to prevent any collapse of cut trench walls and ensure the stability of the surrounding ground and building structures,” stated the spokesperson.

“We are aware that the nearby residents may experience some disruption and inconvenience as a result of these works. We have already explained the nature of these important works to the residents through door-to-door engagements and circulars.

“In addition, we have put in place a series of noise mitigation measures, such as the installation of noise barriers and localised noise shields around the machines as well as work zones.”

The spokesperson went on to say that precautions have also been taken to reduce machinery movement at night.

By the end of this month, the current phase of diaphragm wall construction near the Stomp contributor’s block should be finished.

The LTA spokesperson stated, “We seek residents’ understanding on this matter.”

“We will continue to work closely with our contractors to make further adjustments if needed.”

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has established maximum allowable noise levels for construction work near various types of buildings based on the day of the week and time of day in order to reduce noise pollution.

Between 10 p.m. on Saturdays and the eve of public holidays and 7 a.m. on the Mondays that follow or the days after public holidays, no construction work is permitted.

On certain Sundays and public holidays, construction sites in the architectural or project completion stage are permitted to conduct quieter work; however, contractors must apply for a permit from the NEA in order to do so.

References

www.asiaone.com

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Asia Noise News

A resident is kept awake at three in the morning by loud road construction in Singapore

SINGAPORE: A man complained on social media about the loud noise coming from the road construction going on close to his house. He complained about how difficult it was to figure out who to contact for assistance.

On Sunday, October 22, at 3 a.m., Mr. BK Tan posted on the COMPLAINT SINGAPORE Facebook page stating that the noise levels from the road construction had reached over 65 dB within 150 meters of a residential area. He then asked, “Is it allowed?”

He continued by saying that he had made several unsuccessful calls to the National Environment Agency (NEA). Additionally, he stated that by Monday, October 23, the agency had responded, stating that the roadwork is considered a “critical infrastructure diversion” and must be finished. This would account for the reason that work continued through the hours of midnight and five in the morning.

But he also wrote that the project team informed them that no new updates had been received and that the roadworks had to end at 11:00 in accordance with previous correspondence. Furthermore, as of October 23, there had been no responses from the LTA.

In addition, Mr. Tan included a link to a page on the NEA website about construction noise control. This page details the permissible noise levels according to the time of day, the kind of building that is affected, and whether the noise occurs on a Sunday or a public holiday.

He also uploaded the following queries:

“Question: NEA’s regulations apply across other agencies, (LTA)??

Question: Does LTA aware of NEA’s noise regulations?

Question : Does LTA still approve works if they aware of the Noise’s regulations?

Question: To Meet critical milestone of the project, rules (as above) can be ‘negotiated’?

Question: What avenues (besides) for concerned resident to go other than MP and PMO?”

Not just Mr. Tan, but other locals have voiced their displeasure with the noise caused by road construction. Residents complained about the ongoing “awful noise” brought on by the construction of the North-South Corridor in January of this year.

A number of Singaporeans spoke about the challenges they face as a result of the construction; one 24-year-old said that while working from home, he must “deal with the pounding and whirring of machines.” He described the noise as “horrible” and said he had to shut his curtains and windows to block it out.

A Marymount resident went to considerable measures last year to record the noise level outside his home that was keeping him up at night. He even purchased a noise level monitor and posted a video of their nightly struggle on TikTok.

The resident uses the TikTok account Noisymarymount, and it seems that this was the reason behind its creation. “Noise due to the construction of North South corridor along Marymount” is how it is described. (TISG)

References

theindependent.org

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Asia Noise News Environment

Ganesh Visarjan: Police will take stern action against violators and noise levels will be monitored at 22 locations

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the College of Engineering, Pune’s environment department will monitor noise levels at 22 locations throughout the city.

The police have vowed to take strict action against violators during Thursday’s immersion procession because noise levels in the majority of Pune’s central areas have exceeded the allowable limit thus far during the 10-day Ganeshotsav.

Additionally, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and the environment department of the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) will monitor noise levels at 22 locations throughout the city.

Pune Police Commissioner Retesh Kumaar advised mandals to take precautions to ensure that noise levels did not exceed permitted levels during the designated time period.

“We’ve made the decision to conduct sporadic inspections and keep an eye on noise levels in the city’s center and other key areas. Strict action will be taken against violators if anyone is found to be going beyond the boundaries set forth,” he said.

Kumaar asserts that each mandal will lead two to three dhol-tasha groups in the procession, as stated by the city police.

“Dhol-tasha groups are also limited to carrying a combined total of 50 dhol and 15 taashas. Mandals that play music are permitted to carry double-layered music systems. There will only be three stops for Mandals, Kumaar said.

During the Ganesh immersion procession in the city, noise pollution is a significant concern. In addition to breaking noise pollution regulations, excessive loudspeaker use by Ganesh mandals is bad for everyone’s health, especially those who are exposed to the noise for extended periods of time.

Dhol-tasha pathaks, which were once thought of as a less harmful alternative to loudspeakers, now produce the same amount of noise as the speakers.

As the grand procession passes through this area, the central city will be the exercise’s main focus. In addition, the MPCB will record noise levels in the city’s suburban areas. The activity will be conducted by the board both during the day and at night, according to Nitin Shinde, sub-regional officer for the MPCB in Pune.

“According to last year’s observations, noise levels in nearly all of Pune’s neighborhoods were significantly above the recommended levels. The noise restrictions were broken on the first day of the Ganesh festival this year as well.

According to MPCB officials, the police department is in charge of taking enforcement action against noise pollution violations.

References

www.hindustantimes.com

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Asia Noise News Environment

Noise pollution among top issues concerning citizens in Pune

PUNE: On the evening of August 17, a frazzled senior citizen from Mundhwa contacted the Pune police via their designated WhatsApp number to complain about a dhol-tasha troupe’s “loud noise.” The complainant and other locals were greatly relieved when a beat marshal took immediate action on the complaint.

Since its July 10 launch, the Pune police’s “anytime complaint” initiative to assist citizens in need has received positive feedback. The Pune police have received 1,224 complaints through WhatsApp through a 50-day period ending on August 30 from all over the city, including a small number from other districts.

As soon as the WhatsApp message was received, the sender’s location was sought, and the relevant police station was notified, according to a police officer speaking about the Mundhwa case. The dhol-tasha practice was in progress when the beat marshal arrived. He instructed the group to turn down the music and respect the 10 o’clock curfew. The group complied, so the police contacted the complainant and requested his input,” the officer said.

According to an analysis of the complaints that were submitted as a result of the initiative, “noise pollution” accounted for the second-highest number of complaints that the Pune police received during the two-month period. Since the WhatsApp number’s debut, 247 loud noise complaints from bars, hotels, and restaurants, also known as dhol-tasha pathaks, have been sent to it. As soon as the complaints were received, patrol marshals were dispatched to the locations, according to Pune police commissioner Retesh Kumaarr.

On the WhatsApp number, some odd complaints that fell outside of the police’s purview were also received. A person who got lost in another district made one of these complaints.

“The initiative’s main goal was to motivate women and girls to file complaints about issues that affect them. Our primary goal is to reduce crimes against women. We could better serve the women if we received a simple text message on their WhatsApp number, according to Kumaarr.

At least 70 women and girls filed complaints on the provided number up until August 30, which allowed police to take action. When commercial establishments’ noise levels exceed the established limits, senior citizens, children, and the ill frequently find themselves in a difficult situation. They find it very convenient to solve the problem by simply sending a text message with the location and address while they are still in their homes. The police commissioner stated, “Our team is working effectively to ensure that all complaints are addressed in a timely manner.

Anshuman Choudhari, a local of Wadgaonsheri, complained that the restaurants and bars in the area have been too disruptive. We will definitely use the initiative from the Pune police, which appears promising. The Pune police team contacts the complainants again to get their feedback after receiving the complaints via the WhatsApp number and taking appropriate action.

A Dhayari resident praised the initiative and suggested that police raise awareness of it to encourage more people to file complaints about problems that affect them. “Noise from commercial establishments is a serious problem, particularly at night. The resident suggested that more people call the special helpline to voice their concerns.

References

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Asia Noise News Environment

Fighting noise pollution Dhaka

It is alarming to learn that the majority of the time in this city, the noise level is more than twice the acceptable standard, which is permanently harming the physical and mental health of city dwellers. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published its “Annual Frontier Report, 2022,” which ranked Dhaka as the world’s most noisy city. In accordance with the 1999 WHO guidelines for community noise level, the recommended limits are 55 decibels for residential areas and 70 decibels for traffic and commercial areas. However, the report found that the average noise level in Dhaka was 119 decibels, the highest in the world in 2021. There is no denying that the media has given air and water pollution issues a lot of attention, but there seems to be less awareness of the issue when it comes to noise pollution. The negative impact of noise pollution, which is no longer just a minor health risk, has still not received enough attention. A little progress has been made over the years to stop this issue from getting worse.

Different things like traffic, hydraulic horns, aircraft, construction and repair work, industrial operations, and more all produce noise. A study suggests that the primary cause of noise pollution in Dhaka is the hydraulic horns of moving vehicles.

It’s important to note that 25.3% of professionals employed as road workers in the five city corporations of Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Rajshahi, Cumilla, and Sylhet have hearing impairment.

According to experts, noise pollution impairs sleep, raises blood pressure, causes headaches, indigestion, and auditory fatigue. Any person can become completely deaf after working in a loud environment for a long time.

Due to their work regulating traffic, traffic police are more susceptible to hearing issues. Hearing issues have been identified in the field traffic police who have worked together for many years.

Additionally, it has been noted that pregnant women who live close to major airports give birth to more immature, deformed, and crippled children than those who live elsewhere.

It’s time to act decisively to reduce the amount of noise pollution in the city. We must develop the necessary strategies to enact pertinent laws to address noise pollution and take it more seriously. Regulations and rules for noise monitoring should be implemented by the relevant authorities.

We think that with proper management, the level of noise can be reduced and the detrimental effects of sound pollution can be eliminated for Dhaka residents.

References

https://bangladeshpost.net

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Noise Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Growing Concern

Noise Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Growing Concern
Noise Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Growing Concern

Noise pollution is a growing problem in our modern world. It is the unwanted or excessive sound that can have negative effects on human health and well-being. In recent years, researchers have found that noise pollution can be linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular diseases.

A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that exposure to environmental noise can have adverse effects on public health. According to the WHO, more than one billion people around the world are exposed to high levels of noise, and this exposure can lead to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 18 million deaths each year. These diseases affect the heart and blood vessels and can result in heart attacks, strokes, and other health complications.

The link between noise pollution and cardiovascular diseases has been established through numerous studies. One of the most significant studies in this regard was conducted by the University of Oxford. In this study, researchers found that exposure to high levels of noise can increase the risk of heart disease by up to 50%. The study also found that noise pollution can increase the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

So, how does noise pollution affect the cardiovascular system? The answer lies in the stress response of the body. When we are exposed to noise, our body reacts by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger the “fight or flight” response, which can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. This response is normal and evolutionarily adapted to help us deal with threats and danger. However, chronic exposure to environmental noise can lead to prolonged stress response, leading to long-term damage to the cardiovascular system.

Environmental noise can also disrupt sleep, which is essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure, impaired glucose tolerance, and other negative impacts on the heart and blood vessels.

Moreover, the impact of noise pollution on the cardiovascular system is not limited to adults. Children who grow up in noisy environments may be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. Studies have shown that children exposed to high levels of traffic noise are more likely to have high blood pressure, even at a young age. This is particularly concerning, as high blood pressure in childhood can lead to a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in adulthood.

It is important to note that noise pollution is not just limited to traffic noise. It can also come from sources like aircraft, industrial activity, and even household appliances. Therefore, it is crucial to take steps to reduce noise pollution in our environment. Governments around the world are taking measures to reduce noise levels, such as creating noise barriers, regulating noise emissions from industrial activity, and restricting nighttime transport.

Individuals can also take steps to reduce their exposure to noise pollution. This can include wearing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, avoiding noisy environments, and choosing quieter modes of transportation. In addition, creating a quiet environment at home, such as using soundproof curtains or adding insulation, can also help reduce noise levels.

In conclusion, noise pollution is a significant public health concern that can have negative effects on the cardiovascular system. Chronic exposure to environmental noise can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It is crucial to take steps to reduce noise pollution in our environment and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our health from the harmful effects of noise pollution.

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Asia Noise News

Mumbai will observe ‘No Honking Day’ on Wednesday to reduce noise pollution

Mumbai will observe ‘No Honking Day’ on Wednesday to reduce noise pollution

Mumbai Police’s Traffic Control Branch has declared June 14 to be “No Honking Day” to stop the practice of motorists using their horns needlessly, a top official said here on Monday. This is being done in an effort to reduce noise pollution and its detrimental effects on health.


“In addition to negatively affecting human health, unnecessary honking pollutes the environment with noise. We encourage drivers to participate in the “No Honking Day” by refraining from honking their horns, the officer said.


As per Rule 119 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, the Mumbai Traffic Police has also advised all drivers to check the horns on their cars.

According to the MV Act and the Environment Protection Act of 1986, “Action will be taken against those who indulge in needless horn blaring of their vehicles,” warned the police.

 

The Mumbai Traffic Control Branch also called upon all the drivers and riders in Mumbai city, barring ambulances, fire brigades and other on-duty emergency vehicles, to refrain from honking on June 14 and even other days as well.

Anti-noise pollution crusader Sumaira Abdulali of ‘Awaz Foundation’ has strongly welcomed the police initiative and said that the last time such an exercise was carried out in Mumbai was 17 years ago in 2006.

“This is the need of the hour. Awaz has done several sessions with the police on this menace and we have done studies on the ill-effects of honking without adequate reasons. We appeal to the police to ensure that it should not be only this Wednesday, but even all other days henceforth,” Abdulali told IANS.

She said that motorcycles are the worst noise polluters on the roads, touching as high as 110 decibels, and most other vehicles are in the range of 90-100 decibels which is a matter of serious concern, and since the fines for honking nuisance have been doubled, the law is in favour of the police.

Mumbai has an estimated vehicle population of around 43 lakh comprising two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, light and heavy motor vehicles, goods carriers, etc.

References

Canindia

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To solve the intractable issue of noise spats, a holistic approach is required

There may not always be an obvious resolution to neighbor disputes, which can be complicated.

A Tampines resident first noticed her neighbor making noises like hammering in the early morning and middle of the night during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
The woman identified only as Amy said she was also bothered by sounds like running water and what appeared to be a creaking fan. At first she tried to ignore the noises, but as time went on they became more and more intolerable, interfering with her sleep and consequently her work.

Amy said she also complained to the Housing Board and town council about her neighbour, to no avail. According to her, her neighbour even ignored an order from the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals (CDRT) to stop making noise.

In her latest bid to end the disturbance, Amy, who quit her job in the video production sector in 2022, said she is applying for a special direction for her neighbour to comply with the CDRT order.

Her case, which will be heard in May, illustrates how intractable neighbour disputes over noise can be, and the need for more effective ways to resolve them.

The authorities have taken steps to address noise spats over the years. In 2015, the Police Force Act was amended to allow for the appointment of community wardens with the power to take down particulars, advise people to keep their noise level down and deliver composition notices on behalf of the police.

But the number of complaints involving noise issues continued to climb, and soared during the Covid-19 pandemic when many people worked and studied from home.

In 2017, HDB received 3,493 complaints of disputes between neighbours. The number of complaints jumped by almost eight times to 27,600 in 2022, or 2,300 on average per month.

In March, Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann announced that the Municipal Services Office (MSO) will form a unit to help resolve protracted and egregious disputes between neighbours. This group will be given the power to investigate disputes and stop certain nuisance behaviour, she said.

Second Minister for Law Edwin Tong had also said that cases where noise is used as a weapon to disrupt the peace among neighbours will come under the new legal framework on mandatory mediation for community disputes.

When noise disputes occur, first responders such as HDB and grassroots leaders will encourage neighbours to talk and try to resolve the issue amicably.

Some residents turn to the Community Mediation Centre (CMC), where trained volunteers help to mediate sessions between the parties involved. Some may opt to lodge a magistrate’s complaint to start a private prosecution, if they believe their neighbour has committed a criminal offence against them.

The magistrate will then decide if the case is worth pursuing and direct the police to investigate. In the process, the magistrate may issue a warrant for the alleged offender’s arrest.

Apart from a magistrate’s complaint, people can turn to the CDRT, which was set up to handle such disputes.

In 2022, there were 126 claims filed with the CDRT involving excessive noise, down from 150 cases in 2021. However, the figure was still more than double the 61 claims filed in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic struck.

One of the top noise concerns is inter-floor noise, which includes sounds of furniture being dragged, rolling marbles and doors being slammed.

Other avenues for recourse include applying for voluntary mediation or for a protection order under the Protection from Harassment Act.

In a high-profile case reported by The Straits Times in 2020, a couple was barred from their Bukit Panjang flat for a month after they were found to have breached an earlier court order to stop disturbing their neighbours in the unit above. It was the first time that the CDRT under the State Courts had issued an exclusion order.

The couple eventually sold their flat, ending a protracted dispute that began in 2017.

In another severe dispute, the residents of a Punggol HDB block had to endure disturbances from a neighbour who, among other things, allegedly splashed oil at their doorsteps and left a bloody pig’s ear on a shoe rack.

Her behaviour caused many residents to fear for their safety. Some even installed closed-circuit television cameras in their homes to protect themselves.

This case was troubling because even though reports of her behaviour had been made since 2014, the matter was resolved only in 2021, when she moved out of her flat in Punggol.

While there are various agencies and avenues for recourse available, it seems that none of them is able to truly address the serious disputes. The outcome of the two cases showed that the issues were resolved only when either party moved out.

Clearly, there needs to be a more effective way of resolving neighbourly disputes, especially those involving noise.

Statistics have shown that mediation is highly effective in helping neighbours work things out, with 80 per cent of disputes that end up at the CMC resolved.

However, residents have reported difficulties with this option as their neighbours do not always turn up for mediation, and going to court or tribunals can be a tedious and expensive process.

Community mediation is generally voluntary, and currently, there are no consequences for disputing parties who fail to attend mediation, said a Ministry of Law spokesman.

In cases where a CDRT claim has been filed and the respondent fails to turn up for the hearing, the CDRT may grant a CDRT order in the absence of the respondent. But a breach of the initial CDRT order is not a criminal offence, added the spokesman.

As a result, residents whom ST spoke to feel that their only option is to sell their flats and move away.

It is important to recognise that neighbour disputes can be complex and multifaceted, and there may not always be a clear solution.

While the Government continues to encourage good neighbourly communication and tolerance, the new MSO unit will now intervene at appropriate junctures for egregious disputes.

However, the unit must be given sufficient powers and teeth in order to stop the wilful weaponisation of noise by neighbours.

References

straitstimes

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