THERE is nothing much the Council of Kuching City South (MBKS) can do to curb noise pollution caused by lion dance practice carried out at random at residential areas.
James Chan, mayor of MBKS
The council can only advise the troupes involved to tone it down when there is a complaint.
“This is a grey area where the council’s authority is not clearly defined,” MBKS mayor James Chan explained.
“The council can only exercise its power when there is a violation of occupational permit, but in this case, there is none.
“The frustration of the residents is understandable and legitimate,” Chan said, adding that residential areas should be peaceful and quiet so as to be conducive for living. The loud noise caused by lion dance practice disrupts this.
He appealed to the troupes involved to stop practising in their homes but do so at areas away from housing estates.
Over the years, independent lion dance troupes have been sprouting like mushrooms and due to financial constraints, are forced to practise in the homes of their members.