Surge in noise complaints received by HDB during pandemic

27,600 submissions in 2022, from 4,800 in 2019; inter-floor noise among top concerns

- Joyce Lim

Complaints over noisy neighbours soared during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many people worked and studied from home.

In 2022, the Housing Board (HDB) received about 27,600 complaints or 2,300 feedback submissions on average per month on noise from residents' activities.

The figure is more than five times the 4,800 cases HDB received in 2019. The monthly average of complaints it received in 2020 and 2021 was 2,500 and 3,200 respectively, said the Municipal Services Office (MSO). The office is part of the Government's efforts to improve the delivery of municipal services by public agencies.

One of the top noise concerns is inter-floor noise, which includes sounds of furniture being dragged, rolling marbles and doors being slammed.

To address severe cases, MSO will form a unit to help resolve protracted and egregious disputes between neighbours, Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann announced in Parliament during the debate on her ministry's budget on March 2.

The unit, to be formed by the year end, will leverage stronger laws and work closely with the police and other government agencies, as well as community mediators and the courts if needed.