Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Google Maps
Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui. Photo: Google Maps

Hong Kong authorities have received complaints that a public nuisance had been created in Kowloon Park in Tsui Sha Tsui as people have been singing with microphones and loudspeakers on weekends and public holidays.

At times during the past few Sundays, more than 100 people, some of the maids enjoying their days off, had been seen indulging in the noisy practice, singing and dancing, Oriental Daily reported.

Some people were also seen drinking and smoking, which was prohibited inside the park.

At least four loudspeakers were set up in the area linked to a video monitor, which in effect turned the park into a karaoke lounge.

According to a meter that the reporter used to measure the noise level inside the park, the loudspeakers generated 88 decibels when playing music and reached as high as 93.5 decibels when someone grabbed the microphone and sang.

In a normal conservation, the sound level ranges from 40 to 60 decibels. But constant exposure to more than 80 decibels can cause temporary hearing loss if not treated immediately.

Kwan Sau-ling, a member of Yau Tsim Mong District Council, received a number of complaints over the noise pollution inside the park. Some residents also worried about public security in the district.

Law Wai-yan, manager of the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, said noise generated by the loudspeakers would affect the bird species living inside the park.

An official with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said tht according to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, people could sing and dance inside a leisure establishment and staff would not intervene if it did not cause a nuisance.

The official added that last Sunday, the staff had issued verbal warnings three times to one group that their music was too loud.

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