Sengkang residents find themselves amidst a battle against disruptive fighter jet noise, with one resident describing it as “very noisy” and impacting his work-from-home routine. The resident, who recently moved to Sengkang, shared his frustrations after witnessing five to six fighter jets fly over his home within just 30 minutes. In a video capturing the overwhelming noise, he expressed how the jets’ sounds drowned out his workspace. This resident’s experience is not an isolated one, as other residents in Sengkang have also voiced their concerns about the incessant noise disturbances.
One long-time Sengkang resident shared how the noise begins as early as 8am, disturbing her sleep and hindering her daily activities. Another resident, who has been residing in the area for a decade and works from home as well, expressed empathy for students facing exams and mentioned the difficulty of contemplating a move until his child finishes PSLE. The impact of the noise pollution on residents is evident, with a former Punggol resident highlighting their decision to move due to the unbearable noise levels.
Sengkang MP Jamus Lim recently raised the issue of fighter jet noise in Parliament, questioning Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen about the possibility of alternative flight paths to avoid flying over residential areas like Sengkang and Punggol. Dr. Ng emphasized that the flight paths are designed with safety and airspace constraints in mind, prioritizing the population’s well-being.
While the concerns surrounding fighter jet noise continue to persist, with residents sharing their experiences and frustrations, plans are in place for Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) to be relocated in the 2030s. Until then, residents in Sengkang and Punggol may have to endure the noise pollution for at least six more years.
This article sheds light on the challenges faced by Sengkang residents in combating the disruptive effects of fighter jet noise pollution and the efforts being made to address these concerns by local authorities.
