Due to its central location, Senado Square has become a hotbed of protests. People living and working around the area have been complaining of the constant noise.
The Macau General Union of Neighborhood Association branch for Largo de São Domingos and Rua dos Mercadores has reportedly received a considerable number of complaints about Macau Federation Family Reunion’s (MFFR) constant demonstrations in Senado Square.
The elderly group erected tents, and raised flags in order to support their loud appeals. Moreover, during the demonstrations, the group resorted to banging drums frequently, which reportedly bothered retailers working nearby.
Though the drumming has stopped in recent times, loud recordings of the specific appeals are still being played throughout the day at the square.
A clothes retail owner, working close to the square, became emotional when asked by the Times about the ongoing situation. “I have nothing else to say about this, I am tired!” the woman said. Another vendor, who is located next to her shop, told the Times that retailers have been feeling annoyed for a while, consequently filing complaints on several occasions. However, the group has continued to protest around the well-known tourist spot.
Previously, the group would gather at Senado Square alongside the fountain, which is closer to the Civic and Municipal Bureau (IACM). Now, the group has moved to the other side of the fountain, further from the road. Lei, an employee of a jewelry chain company, told the Times that his company had complained to the IACM a month ago. “They are indeed a little bit further, the noise has decreased, but it is still possible to hear it,” he said.
Lei Lok Lan, president of the MFFR, earlier told the Times that the group has continuously been participating in demonstrations at Senado Square for almost three months.
According to a sign left next to a speaker yesterday, the demonstrations have been ongoing for 89 days. Staff reporter
Today is the 94th day, the protesters have set up and there are only about 7 representatives present under those tents. I did an informal measurement on decibel count with an app. Street level noise was at 99 dB. When I went home, near by Senado Square, the noise level was at 75-85 dB, with no other household noises contributing. While this is not going to damage anyone’s hearing. This level is louder than a loud conversation and is relentless. The angle the protesters put their bull horn is aimed directly over the IACM building and as such easily reaches housing and businesses well behind it as well.
What the protesters stand for is not in question, their request is humble and a worthy cause. But their tactics are such that they are winning more detractors than supporters. It is one thing to perpetuate a nuisance in the name of civil disobedience to drive your message. This is a fine and valid tactic, however when the noise penetrates beyond the public space you are occupying and unwantingly enters the home of residents, then this is an invasion of privacy. Especially given this means of protest is not active but is extremely passive by using a prerecorded track. The repetition is such that one can memorize the lines and it’s stuck in their heads like terrible pop song.
On several occasions, I have seen PSP officers in Senado Square talk to the protesters to reduce the volume and they have complied, but as soon as the officers had left their post, the volume went back up. This demonstrates the protestors understand there is a limit but willingly and continually defy it. Combine this with the already high ambient noise pollution and the fact there can be more than one protest going on or a planned event, the noise environment in Macau’s city centre has become utterly unbearable. As such, personal habits change in order to find some peace. For instance, I won’t shop anymore in Senado Square, and those of us who work nights can’t find rest during the day as the noise breaks the peace. As such, the ability to use ones home to rest and find sanctuary has been take away from us.
I hope the protesters find validation to their cause, but as it is now, they are winning over no hearts or minds.