SINGAPORE — An enforcement unit to tackle “severe” cases of neighbourly noise disturbances has been set up as a pilot, with their powers set to be beefed up with technology such as noise sensors to help them investigate such issues. 

Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for National Development, gave this update on Tuesday (March 5) during a parliamentary debate on her ministry's spending plans.

Plans to boost enforcement officers' powers to investigate serious neighbour disputes, where people intentionally cause noise disturbances over a prolonged period, had been announced last year.

Ms Sim, who is also the Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said on Tuesday that the enforcement unit, which comprises a team of “dedicated personnel”, will soon have stronger laws and technology at their disposal to investigate and take enforcement action against severe noise disputes among neighbours, though she added that such cases are few.

This initial pilot team has been set up by the Municipal Services Office under the Ministry of National Development (MND), which coordinates the delivery of municipal services. 

The MND is also looking to deploy devices such as noise sensors in common areas, within homes, or both, to assist in investigations. 

Last year, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth had proposed giving enforcement officers greater powers to investigate serious neighbour disputes, among mooted enhancements to the Community Dispute Management Framework. 

It was suggested that enforcement officers be allowed to enter homes and to seize items that are causing excessive noise, without needing the consent of the occupants or owners.

Other measures proposed include making mediation between disputing parties mandatory. 

In response to queries by TODAY, MND said that for the pilot unit to be operationally ready and effective, it must be “vested with appropriate powers”. 

This includes the power to take statements, install noise sensors with consent and issue "abatement orders" to compel an individual to stop the noise nuisance. 

The initial pilot team is working with grassroots volunteers, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and other agencies to familiarise itself with handling cases, Ms Sim said.

Most of the officers in the pilot unit would have had prior experience in law enforcement agencies, but they will still be required to pass strict background checks.

They will also be trained in investigation and basic mediation skills.

During their course of duty, officers must identify themselves. 

To enable the pilot unit’s work, MND said the Government will table a Bill for parliamentary debate this year. 

Ms Sim added that the pilot team will be able to do more when the requisite powers and the enhancements to the mediation framework and the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals process are legislated through the new Bill.

For instance, the mediation framework will be adjusted to resolve more neighbour disputes at an earlier stage, including through mandatory mediation, she said.  

"We hope to complete this by end of 2024," she added.