The production and propagation of environmental noise in the city is increasingly complex, at a variety of levels, with each citizen responsible for producing a certain degree of environmental noise. While citizens and enterprises should assume their civic and corporate responsibility to improve and control environmental noise for a suitable living environment, a new law, effective 22^nd February, mandates restrictions on both domestic and commercial entities.

Piling is prohibited on Sundays and public holidays, and from Monday to Saturday from 8:00pm to 8:00am the next day. Continuous piling may not exceed 20 minutes, while a continuous sound level of 85 decibels may not be exceeded.

With regard to domestic premises, it is not permitted to perform any modification, maintenance or repair works that emit disturbing noises. The period of restriction is: Sundays and public holidays, Monday to Saturday from 7:00pm to 9:00am the next day. Violation of this regulation attracts a fine of between MOP5,000 and MOP10,000. In addition, mobile or stationary civil construction machinery and equipment may not be used within 200 metres of a residential building or hospital, on Sundays and public holidays, as well as on weekdays from 8:00pm to 8:00am the next day.

It is not permitted to produce noise from 10:00pm to 9:00am the next day in domestic units by way of entertainment, playing musical instruments, or pets making disturbing noises. Violation of this regulation attracts a fine of between MOP1,000 and MOP2,000. In public areas, it is not permitted to perform outdoor shows, entertainment or similar activities that make disturbing noises from Sundays to Fridays from 10:00pm to 9:00am the next day; or on Saturdays and public holidays from 11:00pm to 9:00am the next day.