Police issue strict directives on loudspeaker use and noise pollution

The Police Media Division has issued strict directives regarding the use of loudspeakers and sound amplifiers, warning that noise causing disturbance or distress to neighbours and the public constitutes a public nuisance under Section 261 of the Penal Code and Supreme Court Order 38/2005.

Authorities highlighted that excessive sound has escalated into a serious health and mental concern affecting infants, school children, the elderly, and patients.

Under the updated guidelines, the use of loudspeakers is generally prohibited between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, although exceptions for religious or special events may be considered strictly in accordance with the law.

When a police licence is obtained, permitted timeframes for loudspeaker operation are restricted up to 10:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, up to 1:00 am the following day on Friday and Saturday, and up to 12:30 am the following day on Sunday.

Police emphasised that securing a permit is not an automatic right.

Furthermore, even during permitted daytime hours between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm, sound must be confined strictly within the venue premises to ensure it does not cause an unnecessary nuisance to the surrounding community.

Police officers will actively monitor event locations to enforce compliance with permit conditions.

If a public complaint is verified, officers will instruct the organisers to cease the noise immediately; failure to comply will result in formal legal action and the seizure of sound equipment.

The Police Media Division has requested the public to report any disturbances caused by illegal or excessive noise to their nearest police station or via emergency hotlines 118 and 119.