The Leisure & Cultural Services Department has earmarked $3 million to build a noise insulator around an open-air theatre in Tuen Mun Park, controlling the noise generated during the performance of Chinese opera there.

Speaking on an RTHK programme this morning, Assistant Director of the Leisure & Cultural Department Eddy Yau noted the move aimed to solve the mounting noise complaints from residents living near the park.

From May 27 onwards, the department will designate a leisure zone inside the park for those opera singers wanting to perform in other open areas of the park. They are mainly retired senior citizens fond of traditional Chinese opera. They will not be allowed to use loudspeaker as they did in the theatre. 

To reduce the nuisance caused, Mr Yau said the department had worked closedly with the Tuen Mun District Council  to sort out alternative indoor venues for singing performances, such as a community hall and squash court in the district.

He added that the department would work with the Police to take enforcement action against those opera singers who repeatedly make excessive noise (over 70 decibels) with loudspeakers.

Since May last year, 11 people have been named and warned for making excessive noise during singing performances in Tuen Mun Park.