Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on SPF’s Protocols When Dealing With Persistent Noise Violators in HDB Blocks Who Have Received Prior Warnings

Question:

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs how does the SPF 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.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law:

1.   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, Government 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.

2.   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.