Local Authorities Enforce Noise Regulations Beyond Office Hours - KPKT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Local authorities have enforcement schedules extending beyond office hours to address noise complaints arising from entertainment activities at residential premises and outdoor venues, including at night and on weekends, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said local councils also monitored complaints in real time and conducted joint operations with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to ensure action against offenders.

“Local council enforcement officers have structured on-call and shift schedules outside office hours to address complaints,” she said in reply to Wan Razali Wan Nor (PN-Kuantan) on measures to strengthen enforcement at night and on weekends.

Aiman Athirah said Section 82 of the Local Government Act 1976 allowed authorities to issue immediate notices to stop nuisances, while cooperation with police enabled action under Section 13 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.

She said entertainment activities near sensitive locations, including hospitals, schools, residential areas and places of worship, were generally restricted to operating until 11 pm or midnight.

Buffer zones of between 100 and 300 metres were also imposed to regulate entertainment activities near such locations, Aiman Athirah said.

Addressing concerns over buffer zones near hospitals, the deputy minister said enforcement action could be taken following complaints, subject to existing laws.

Local councils could also immediately seize audio equipment or karaoke systems and issue compounds for breaches of permit conditions or unauthorised events.

Homestay operators who violate business licence conditions or repeatedly attract public nuisance complaints could face licence revocation or court prosecution, she added.

-- BERNAMA