Written answer by Ministry of National Development on standard definition of excessive noise to keep noise in HDB blocks within acceptable level

Jan 9, 2023

Question No: 4024

Question by: Mr Lim Biow Chuan

To ask 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.

Answer:

          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.

2       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. MND is currently studying the recommendations from the Panel and will provide a response when ready. 

3        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.