Authorities in HCM City vowed to curb noise from mobile karaoke services by the end of this year.
The problem was raised at a meeting about noise pollution in HCM City on March 9.
Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Thi Thanh My said they had followed Decree 155 and Decree 167 about administrative fines in environmental protection and administrative fines social order and prevention of social evils, fire prevention and fighting, domestic violence.
Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Thi Thanh My speaks at the meeting
However, the fines of VND100,000 to VND300,000 are too low to be a deterrent. About 141 noise pollution cases were dealt with in 2019 and 2020 with over VND800m were collected. Violators are only fined if they make noises from 10 pm to 6 am. My proposed to raise the fines, increase the timeframe and give more authorities to the ward and communal authorities to deal with noise pollution.
While the proposals are being evaluated, My suggested several solutions. The first phase would be used to raise public awareness and the second phase will be used to tighten the rules, clarify the responsibilities of communal and district people's committees. Heads of the communal police department will take responsibility if there are repeated infringements.
The Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran The Thuan also agreed that the fines were too low. He said it would be best to make use of the CCTV cameras to detect new cases.
Vice-Chairman of HCM City People's Committee Vo Van Hoan emphasised public awareness.
"The most important factor is the co-operation among all parties and the role of the leaders," he said. "I think the noise from pavement eateries and other businesses should also be addressed."
Hoan agreed to start a movement to deal with noise pollution in the city. The first phase will last until May to promote, warn and persuade the citizens to pledge to not cause noise pollution. In the second phase, the authorities would launch inspections and fine violators.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment was asked to prepare leaflets for all residents in HCM City to start the first phase.
