Noise Pollution Summonses Issued to Malaysian Motorcycles Entering Singapore
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Liang Eng Hwa’s inquiry into enforcement against noisy Malaysian motorcycles and whether permissible vehicular noise levels will be reviewed. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that noise standards are internationally benchmarked and enforced through mandatory periodic inspections necessary for road tax renewal. He noted that 38 foreign motorcycles were stopped for suspected illegal modifications since early 2016 and referred to Malaysia’s Department of Environment for rectification. NEA and LTA conduct joint enforcement blitzes based on public feedback, specifically targeting areas like the BKE to address noise disturbances near housing estates. The Minister concluded that authorities regularly review emission regulations and will continue to monitor the locations suggested by the Member for enforcement action.
Transcript
54 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) in the last two years, how many motorcycles entering Singapore from Malaysia have been issued summonses for emitting vehicle noise beyond permissible levels; (b) whether there are plans to step up enforcement actions, especially at BKE areas, for vehicles that emit loud vehicular noise and causing disturbances to housing estates near the expressway; and (c) whether there are plans to review and lower the level of permissible noise emitted by vehicles.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The National Environment Agency (NEA) regulates noise emission standards for new and existing vehicles. These standards are internationally benchmarked and are regularly reviewed. Vehicles to be registered for use on roads in Singapore are required to comply with the noise emission standards prescribed in the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations. Existing vehicles undergo mandatory periodic inspections, which include ensuring that the vehicles comply with the in-use noise emission standards. Passing the periodic inspection is needed for the renewal of the road tax.
NEA and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) conduct joint enforcement blitzes against noisy vehicles. LTA takes action against the owners of motorcycles with illegal exhaust modifications, which are one of the main causes of excessive noise emissions. Since the beginning of 2016, 38 foreign motorcycles have been stopped by LTA for suspected illegal exhaust modifications. The owners of such foreign vehicles are referred to the Department of Environment in Malaysia, which will then notify them to send their vehicles for inspection and to rectify any illegal modifications before they are allowed to use their vehicles on the road. NEA and LTA take into account public feedback when deciding on the locations for enforcement blitzes, and they will look into the areas suggested by the Member.