SINGAPORE – A noise-monitoring system with a light-based alert similar to traffic lights has been installed in a community hall in Clementi to tackle noise complaints residents have made stemming from the exercise classes held there.
When noise levels rise over 83 decibels, the red light is triggered, and organisers who repeatedly set this off could be suspended from booking the event space. A sound level of 80 to 85 decibels is equivalent to that of a vacuum cleaner or a noisy restaurant.
The noise-monitoring system shows a green light as a default. If it turns amber, it serves as a warning that the noise could be getting too loud. The red light indicates the noise could disturb a significant proportion of households in the nearest block.
The community hall at The Court at Clementi Meadows in Block 306A Clementi Avenue 4 had been a hotspot for noise complaints due to the microphones used by fitness trainers, said Holland-Bukit Timah GRC MP Sim Ann on March 11.
Since the system’s installation in December 2025, the noise concerns have been resolved and one trainer has been suspended from booking the space, she told reporters during a visit to the community hall.
“We have spoken with all the regular event organisers as well as trainers, and most agree with what we are doing… Very unfortunately, we’ve had to ban one trainer because the person did not agree,” she said.
The trainer will be allowed to hold classes if he is willing to comply with the rules.
During an exercise class for seniors on March 11, the light largely remained amber as music was playing. It would switch to red at some points when the instructor spoke too loudly on the microphone.
