Neighbours. We all have them, and most of us have surely wished at some point that they’d pipe the heck down. Whether it's the neighbour one door down from you or the one across the road, noisy neighbours can really disrupt tranquility in your own home, keep you up at night, or just make you miserable. Well, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t actually have to suffer in silence (or lack thereof) because Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) recently reminded the public that they can lodge a complaint towards their noisy neighbours! In the Facebook post, PDRM stated that creating excessive noise in a neighbourhood can be considered as causing a nuisance, which is in fact a criminal offence. PDRM outlined several examples of activities that could be considered as creating excessive noise:

1. Playing with fireworks/firecrackers
2. Revving the engine of a motorcycle
3. Laughing loudly
4. Playing loud music

High five if you know of many 'culprits' that fit these descriptions! Referring to Section 13(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955, PDRM said that these types of noises are considered a problem only if it disturbs the peace and harmony of a neighbourhood. The act states that anyone who plays any instrument between midnight and 6am in such a manner that it causes annoyance to other people is committing an offence. Those convicted of this offence can be fined up to RM100. But hold your horses, folks, 'cause there are several instances where you CAN'T lodge a complaint even if it’s disrupting your peace and quiet. They are:

1. Noise created by the armed forces of Malaysia
2. Prayer or other sounds produced for religious purposes
3. Police whistles blown to call for assistance
4. Horn/bell/whistle used to avoid an accident

PDRM also urged the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands when faced with a dissatisfying neighbour—yes, we know all you’d like to do is strangle that annoying person—in case you end up being the one charged for a criminal offence instead. They finished the post advising Malaysians to avoid being considered as a nuisance in their neighbourhood and advocated the practice of good neighbourliness instead.