NOISE NUISANCE BY RSAF AIRCRAFT AT PAYA LEBAR

Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe asked the Minister of Defence if he is aware of the noise pollution caused by aircraft of the Republic of Singapore Air Force and what measures are being taken to minimise the inconvenience to residents in the vicinity of the Paya Lebar Airport.

Dr Yeo Ning Hong (for the Minister of Defence): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Defence has been conscious of the problems of aircraft noise since it acquired jet trainers for the Air Force in the early Seventies. In the case of Paya Lebar Airport, the problem was recognized long before our RSAF started operations in July last year. The RSAF has implemented various measures to minimize the noise problem and these measures include:

(a) operating aircraft at minimum power when flying over densely populated areas;

(b) conducting flights whenever possible at heights above 1,500 feet;

(c) avoiding built-up areas where possible, and

(d) keeping night flying to the minimum and, as far as possible, not beyond 11.00 p.m.

Mindef is also looking for other means of reducing noise created by aircraft engine ground runs by installing noise suppression devices. These measures to reduce aircraft noise will be closely monitored and will be improved wherever possible.

Owing to land limitations in Singapore, residential areas and airports are located in close proximity. It is, therefore, inevitable that aircraft noise will affect all Singaporeans to a greater or lesser extent. Mindef asks that residents around Paya Lebar Airport give us their understanding and support, knowing the situation as it is in Singapore. In its own very special way, that sound is the audible sign of our security and stability.