Strictly observe noise guideline: Council

Entertainment outlets told to observe noise level threshold of 65 decibel within a distance of 100 metres

Operators of entertainment outlets should strictly observe the noise level threshold of 65 decibel within a distance of 100 metres to avoid causing noise pollution to nearby residents.This was stressed by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng yesterday, adding that this was also done for health reasons and to safeguard the well-being of the public.

“We want to impress on operators of karaokes, pubs and night clubs that the level of noise should not exceed the threshold of 65 decibel within a distance of 100 metres.

“Otherwise, it will cause disturbances to the residents.

“And too loud a noise is actually not good for the ears in the long run,” Ngieng said when met after a dialogue session between SMC and ‘Persatuan Karaoke, Lounge, Pub Dan Kelab Malam Sibu’ yesterday.

He said the association had given the assurance that they would help remind their members to rectify the shortcomings if there was a complaint from the public.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that the best policy with regard to the control of noise was to exercise self control.

This meant that operators would keep the noise in check so as not to cause disturban-ces to others, he said.

Earlier during the press conference, Ngieng said the council would consider issuing karaoke licence to operators if their proposed premises were within the central business district (CBD).

Explaining, he said CBD covered areas such as Lanang Road, Kingwood Hotel, Kawan Hotel down to Orchid Hotel and Paramount Hotel.

“The council will consider their applications if their operation are within this zone.”

He, however, clarified that this did not mean that they would approve their licence straight away.

Operators, he said would still need to satisfy other requirements such as fire safety, security, cleanliness and hygiene.

On those operating outside the CBD area, he cautioned that the council might review their licence if there was complaint with regard to loudness or their operation.

On another issue, he reminded operators to strictly adhere to the operating hours.

He added that this was a state wide requirement whereby during weekdays, operators can operate up to 1.30am and 2.30am on weekend.

With that said, he disclosed that a new sample for the ‘Anti Dadah’ signboard which carried a new design and message would be communicated to them in due course.

He was pleased to note that karaoke operators were giving their full cooperation towards saying ‘no’ to drugs.

Towards this end, he revealed that there were 73 karaoke licences here, adding that another four were still being processed.

He said for new applications, the council would require operators to operate their karaoke business at the ground floor.

The existing ones, he said were given a grace period to comply with the requirement.

Among those present were SMC general purpose and community services standing committee chairman councillor David Lau, honorary president of ‘Persatuan Karaoke, Lounge, Pub Dan Kelab Malam Sibu’ Dato Hii Hua Seng and chairman Sim Lih Ping.