NOISE POLLUTION (Legislation)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Mr Ang Nam Piau asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider introducing legislation to provide for anti-noise measures.

The Minister for the Environment (Mr Lim Kim San) (for the Prime Minister): Mr Speaker, Sir, I have been asked by the Prime Minister to reply to this question.

Mr Speaker, Sir, at present there are existing regulations enabling several Ministries and departments to act on certain aspects of noise pollution. For instance, the Registrar of Vehicles can take action against the owner of a vehicle which emits excessive noise. The Ministry of Culture limits the noise coming from outdoor performances and from loudspeakers in record shops, and the Ministry of the Environment can require the occupier of a trade and industrial premises which creates excessive noise to abate the noise. Administratively, the Government pursues a policy against noise pollution. Members are probably aware that Radio and Television Singapore, for instance, regularly makes announcements together with slides encouraging the people to tune down the volume of their TV and hi-fi sets. The police also often acts against persons making excessive noise at unreasonable hours.

Mr Speaker, Sir, there is no quick and easy answer to the problem of noise pollution in Singapore. Community noise is a particularly difficult problem due to our high population density and the cultural background of our people. However, it can be minimised by inculcating in our citizens a greater sense of civic consciousness and consideration for others. At the present moment, there are no plans to introduce further legislation to provide for anti-noise measures.