Demerit Point System for Recalcitrant Neighbours Who Repeatedly Cause Noise Nuisance and Other Disamenities
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns a proposal by MP Yip Hon Weng for a demerit point system targeting recalcitrant neighbors who cause repeated noise nuisance and community disamenities. Minister Desmond Lee replied that there are currently no plans for such a system as agencies prioritize mediation and dialogue to resolve disputes. However, an ongoing interagency review of the Community Dispute Management Framework is studying new ways to address egregious and persistent neighbor dispute cases. Minister Desmond Lee noted that the government aims to empower agencies to take more decisive actions and hold residents to greater responsibility for their conduct. The government also intends to consult the public on suggestions to help establish clearer community norms and improve the management of protracted community disturbances.
Transcript
7 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider setting up a demerit point system for residents who are recalcitrant neighbours who repeatedly create noise nuisance and other community disamenities.
Mr Desmond Lee: In responding to neighbourly disputes that arise from disturbances created by residents, Government agencies will first seek to fact-find and facilitate dialogue and discussion among neighbours, in order to enhance mutual understanding and achieve a consensus among the neighbours involved. This addresses the root cause of the problem while strengthening the relationship among neighbours. Most cases of neighbour disputes are resolved through such efforts at dialogue and mediation.
We do recognise that, for some cases, the persons involved could persist in creating disturbances for the neighbourhood. The Member would be aware of an ongoing interagency review of the Community Dispute Management Framework (CDMF), which has been studying different ways to more effectively address egregious and persistent cases of neighbour disputes, involving disturbances, such as noise. MND is taking part in this review. We are considering ways to strengthen the management of neighbour disputes, so that residents are held to greater responsibility for their actions. While there are, currently, no plans to adopt a demerit point system, we do intend to consult the public on ideas and suggestions that can help establish clearer norms for daily life in the community. We are also studying ways to empower agencies to take more decisive actions in addressing protracted and egregious dispute cases.