A vision of the environmental and occupational noise pollution in Malaysia.
Environmental noise remains a complex and fragmented interplay between industrialization, population growth, technological developments, and the living environment. Next to the circulatory diseases and cancer, noise pollution has been cited as the third epidemic cause of psychological and physiological disorders internationally. A reliable and firm relationship between the cumulative health implications with the traffic annoyance and occupational noise has been established. This agenda has called for an integrated, coordinated, and participatory approach to the reliable protection of noise interference. Despite several fragmented policies, legislation and global efforts have been addressed; the noise pollution complaints have been traditionally neglected in developing countries, especially in Malaysia. This paper was undertaken to postulate an initial platform to address the dynamic pressures, gigantic challenges, and tremendous impacts of noise pollution scenario in Malaysia. The emphasis is speculated on the traffic interference and assessment of industrial and occupational noise. The fundamental importance of noise monitoring and modeling is proposed. Additionally, the confronting conservation program and control measure for noise pollution control are laconically elucidated.
Environment and Occupational Health Programme, School of Health Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan; River Engineering and Urban Drainage Research Centre, Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE) for Service, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.
Foo Keng
FK
Yuen
D003906:Developing Countries; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D008296:Malaysia; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009624:Noise, Transportation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011634:Public Health