Assessment of Road Traffic Noise Level in Industrial Area Using a Smartphone App

This preliminary study focuses on measuring the road traffic noise levels in Kulim, Kedah. There are 20 points selected around the area including Jalan Raya Kulim, Jalan Tunku Asaad, Jalan Tunku Putra dan Jalan Lunas. Decibel-X Pro application has replaced Sound Level Meter (SLM) to record the noise levels for 15 min for the morning, afternoon, and evening period. The noise level measurements were monitored in the morning (0800-0930), afternoon (1200-1400), and evening (1400-1530). The traffic density was manually counted simultaneously with noise level measurement according to Arahan Teknik Jalan (8/86), A Guide on Geometric Design of Roads (cars, light vans, motorcycle, small lorries, and heavy lorries). The average sound level (LAeq) obtained at the areas ranging from 55 dB(A) until 65 dB(A). All the sound level (LAeq) recorded were exceeded the maximum permissible sound level (LAeq) according to the Planning Guidelines for Receiving Land Use for Planning and New Development for Environmental Noise Limits and Control by the Department of Environment. In conclusion, the Equivalent Continuous Sound Level (LAeq) results obtained throughout the measurement at 20 points in Kulim were primarily higher than the maximum permissible sound level set forth by the Department of Environmental Malaysia, especially during the morning and evening hours.