Women’s association calls for noise control, better Hengqin livelihood

The Women’s General Association of Macau is urging authorities to ease daily life in Hengqin and address persistent noise problems in Macau’s older districts.

During their monthly reception, residents highlighted difficulties in hiring foreign domestic helpers, a lack of childcare services, and disruptive low-frequency noise, prompting legislators to call for policy improvements and stronger enforcement.

During last month’s reception, Legislative Assembly members Wong Kit Cheng and Loi I Weng were invited to meet with residents. Members of the Macau Professional Women Association and lawyers also attended to answer residents’ legal questions, which were well-received.

As more people live and work in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, some residents reported that, currently, only residents of the Hengqin Macau New Neighbourhood (MNN) project are allowed to hire foreign domestic helpers, but the procedures are burdensome, making hiring difficult.

They also noted a lack of childcare services in the Cooperation Zone, requiring daily cross-border travel for drop-offs and pick-ups, which increases the burden on families.

The legislators suggested that authorities consider gradually expanding the policy to other areas, based on the pilot program for hiring domestic helpers and the establishment of a “fast-track approval channel” to shorten processing time.

They urged authorities to support community organizations in establishing childcare services in the Cooperation Zone and to research and optimize cross-border vehicle clearance facilities to facilitate the movement of infants, toddlers, and their caregivers, thereby practically implementing the convenience of the “One-hour living circle” between Macau and Hengqin.

Too much noise

Another concern among residents is that old districts in Macau have dense buildings and poor sound insulation. Noise from daily life and low-frequency vibrations have long disrupted residents’ routines.

Residents reported that, even after installing soundproof windows themselves, it is difficult to completely block out community noise. They are also concerned about noise from activities such as street drinking or gatherings, which often occur throughout the night.

Some noise-makers even employ tactics to avoid the police, resuming disturbances after officers leave, rendering warnings ineffective.

In response, legislators suggested that authorities review and refine enforcement authorities, granting frontline police officers greater discretion to address recurring disturbances.

Authorities should promote the installation of anti-vibration cushioning by residents and encourage updating aging pipes and facilities in old buildings through the “Building Maintenance Subsidy Fund.” Addressing the root cause through hardware improvements while employing a dual approach can help build a harmonious community.Ricaela Diputado