Standard Definition of Excessive Noise to Keep Noise in HDB Blocks within Acceptable Level
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether HDB will introduce a quantitative decibel-based definition for excessive noise to assess and regulate acceptability within residential blocks, as raised by Mr Lim Biow Chuan. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee responded that while decibel limits exist for construction and factories, there are currently no established limits for resident-generated neighborhood noise. He noted that the Ministry of National Development is currently studying a recommendation from the Community Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Noise to implement a decibel threshold for egregious cases. The Minister emphasized that noise is contextual and perception-based, requiring a balanced consideration of quiet hours and diverse community views beyond just quantitative indicators. A formal response will be provided once the study on these enhanced measures and recommendations is finalized.
Transcript
75 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will introduce an excessive noise definition by decibels so that there is a quantitative method to assess whether the noise levels from neighbouring flats are acceptable and to ensure noise is kept within the acceptable level.
Mr Desmond Lee: The National Environment Agency (NEA) has established noise limits by decibels to regulate noise level from construction sites and factory premises in Singapore. However, there are currently no established noise limits for neighbourhood noise generated by residents.
The Community Advisory Panel on Neighbourhood Noise, which was convened by the Municipal Services Office and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in April last year, has recommended for a quantitative noise threshold in the form of decibels to help in the assessment of egregious cases of neighbourhood noise. The Ministry of National Development (MND) is currently studying the recommendations from the Panel and will provide a response when ready.
Neighbourhood noise is a contextual issue. We would need to consider other factors that impact how a resident perceives noise as acceptable or unacceptable, which go beyond a set of quantitative indicators. There is general consensus that loud noises during quiet hours are not acceptable, but on other types of community sounds, there is diversity in views as to whether these are reasonable and considered noise. We need to take these into consideration in studying enhanced measures to address community noise issues.