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| Govt to tighten noise limits for construction sites |
| 8 Mar 2010 |
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The government aims to tighten noise limits for construction sites.
Minister for Environment and Water Resources, Yaacob Ibrahim, says the National Environment Agency or NEA prescribes noise limits for construction sites.
These vary according to the time of the day and by the types of premises nearby.
These current limits protect residents from any adverse health impacts.
But he noted that construction noise, especially on Sundays and Public Holidays, remains a concern for many residents.
"In 2008 and 2009, NEA received about 14,000 and 12,000 complaints on construction noise respectively, up from about 9,000 in 2007 and 6,000 in 2006."
Following consultation with the industry and other stakeholders on the issue,
Dr Yaacob said the government's long-term goal is to prohibit construction work at sites within 150m of residential areas and noise sensitive developments on Sundays and Public Holidays.
He said the changes will be implemented progressively to give the construction industry sufficient time to adjust:
"Sites starting work from 1 September 2010 will not be allowed to carry out construction activities from 10pm on the night before a Sunday or Public Holiday to 10am on the day itself. NEA will extend this prohibition to the rest of the day on Sundays and Public Holidays for sites starting work from 1 September 2011."
Dr Yaacob said the NEA is also tightening the noise standards for new and in-use vehicles.
The revised standards for new vehicles, which are based on those currently implemented in Japan and the EU, will take effect from 1 October this year.
But he said consultation with motor traders indicates that there will be no significant impact on the availability of vehicle models.
That's because new vehicles currently in the market already comply with these standards.
Meanwhile, the revised standards for in-use vehicles will be effective from 1 April next year. |