Dealing with Neighbours who Persistently Breach Noise Limits at HDB Blocks

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Home Affairs how does the Singapore Police Force deal with persistent noise violators in HDB blocks who have been issued prior warnings and who are distinct from residents involved in bilateral neighbour noise disputes.

The majority of noise complaints often arise from some issues between neighbours. Some arise from inconsiderate behaviour. Whatever the cause, noise issues can cause considerable disamenities. They have to be dealt with. The Government's view is that the issues should be addressed through a community-based approach, where community partners, the Government's social or municipal agencies, and grassroots leaders work together to resolve them, with some legal framework, to allow steps to be taken to deal with the noise nuisance. These are not issues that Police need to, or should, deal with.

The Police will, however, respond to incidents where there are additional law and order concerns. For example, when the noise arises from fights or large congregations that pose safety and security risks. In such cases, Police will dispatch frontline resources to maintain law and order. Where criminal offences are disclosed, the Police will investigate and take appropriate actions.