What can I do if a Chinese funeral or a Malay wedding creates a noisy annoyance in the void deck?

Do you live in a HDB estate? Whether you are a student cramming for exams, or an adult looking for some peace and quiet after a hard day’s work, you will doubtlessly have encountered and become frustrated by noisy neighbours perusing the communal halls or pavilions for celebrations or funerals.

Under the regulations of the Town Councils in Singapore, a person can choose to book a common area with said councils by paying a stipulated fee, and use such venues for weddings or funerals. However, if the noise generated goes beyond reasonable levels, you may choose to contact your respective Town Council to lodge a complaint. If the noise persists between 10.30pm to around 7am, it is appropriate for you to contact the police, by calling the police hotline 1800-2550000, who may then dispatch officers to quell the disturbance. Alternatively, they may recommend the neighbours to undergo mediation, or even advise them to submit written complaints to the Magistrate’s Court.

Pursuant to section 14 of the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, generating excessive noise that may cause an annoyance to others is an offence punishable with a fine. However, the authorities would usually only enforce this punishment in extreme cases.

For more information on the appropriate authorities to approach, click here.

For related information on the permissible noise generated by construction sites, industrial activities or traffic, click here.