THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP)'s full council meeting has endorsed measures to contain the noise level at entertainment-type premises on the island.
With effect from next month, a common noise emanation level will be applicable at properties such as hotels and night outlets, including those located in residential areas.
To ensure the right sound level, MBPP will orchestrate a study on the level of noise at such outlets before finalising the right volume for the entertainment places here.
MBPP president and Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran said that there were complaints that sounds from musical instruments/sound machines on the bass pitch tend to cause vibrations in the surrounding residential areas and disrupts people trying to sleep.
While operating hours for some outlets were permissible until 3am on certain days, Rajendran said that majority of the people tend to sleep earlier.
Councilor Tan Soo Siang echoed that MBPP is working with the sound engineers to ensure that the noise from such premises is not highly disruptive.
"We will work with the sound engineers on this matter," said Tan.
MBPP will also install special noise monitoring instruments at certain areas to gauge the decibel levels.
At the year-end meeting, MBPP also listed its achievements, especially in changing the mindset of the ratepayers about green initiatives and sustainability.
MBPP has expanded its smarft recycling stations to five more areas compared to one last year while recycling is now conducted at institutions of higher learning and schools, a pilot project was done to treat food waste into organic fertilizers and organising community composting hubs.
On digital front, there is the deploying of drones to monitor land slopes, the use of a common dashboard with data on traffic, traffic lights, cleanliness and flash floods.
MBPP was also bestowed with six awards for its role as the local government of Penang.
Among the notable achievements, were the installation of social friendly amenities for the elderly and disabled.
Rajendran said that such efforts shall continue into the new year, as MBPP strives to uphold its stature as an awarding winning local authority. - December 23, 2025.
