Singapore neighbourhood quiet period could be extended to tackle neighbourhood noisy activities

The Community Advisory Panel (CAP) on Neighbourhood Noise issued recommendations for tackling neighbourhood noise in Singapore, one of which is the extension of quiet hours from 10:30pm to 7am to 10pm to 8am.

The panel, which functions under the Ministry of National Development, recommended an additional one and a half hours of enforced quiet time in neighbourhoods. The extension came after consultations with about 4,400 members of the public, with many agreeing that noisy activities in the current period are unacceptable.

“Through our engagements, Singaporeans have shared with us that acceptable noise is noise that is unintentional or cannot be controlled. This includes noise generated from activities necessary in our daily living and when their neighbours have taken active steps to reduce the disturbance,” noted CAP on Saturday (Nov 19).

The acceptable duration of noise outside quiet hours ranges from 30 minutes to more than 60 minutes, depending on the type of noise.

Based on survey findings, a majority chose 30 minutes as an acceptable duration of noise for DIY renovation and moving of furniture. Meanwhile, many indicated more than one hour for noises from children playing outside the unit and from common areas.

Informal discussions with neighbours to resolve disputes

The panel recommended informal discussions with neighbours to resolve disputes as the preferred first option. “We should attempt to address the issue amicably among ourselves instead of immediately resorting to interventions from authorities,” said CAP.

“Residents in Singapore, however, tend to avoid confrontation with neighbours. Regular communication with neighbours would help to resolve disputes, and we should normalize the behaviour of friendly engagement between neighbours to address disputes,” it added.

Responding to the news, netizens wondered if the quiet hours applied to other noise sources as well, such as construction projects. “What quiet month when LTA and HDB can simply extend drilling and hacking at a construction site near HDB area at wee hours, 11 pm to 2 am for few days with just a handout notification,” said Facebook user Lydia Fung.

“Yes indeed, there is currently loud construction noise from a job site near metropolis opposite Holland Ave at 3 am,” added another netizen.

Facebook user Syaz Wan suggested separate timing for the days of the week. “Weekdays 10 pm to 8 am. Weekends probably until 10 am or so. Most people work office hours and weekends are for sleeping in. For those who don’t work office hours, then kinda too bad. Just saying.”/TISG

Filed complaints to HDB since 2019 and no solution to dragging furniture noise upstairs