Residents of Taman Nirwana here say the noise from dozens of air-conditioner compressor units is giving them sleepless nights, while an industrial kitchen exhaust is polluting their clothes hung out to dry in the back lane, which faces Anson Cube, a five-storey building just four metres from their homes.

Adding to the noise and air pollution is the presence of workers outside their back door and toilet, robbing many residents of privacy in their own backyard.

To make things worse, garbage collection lorries come as late as 1.30am, while a halogen street light shines on the same level as the upstairs bedrooms.

Complaints to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) have not been of much help, despite MBPP’s response and request for the restaurant to take remedial action.

A 68-year-old resident, a former kindergarten teacher, said she and her neighbours were now forced to live with the nuisance after having stayed in the relatively quiet neighbourhood for many decades.

“People in this area came here when we were young. They got married, raised families and grew old here. It was always a peaceful place. Now we have this nuisance disturbing our lives all day and into the early hours,” she told FMT.

One resident said she was shocked to see two air conditioning units placed directly behind two houses, asking if it was retaliation for the complaint lodged with MBPP.

She said MBPP had only measured the sound level at the restaurant.

“But they never measured what it is like in our houses in the morning and late at night.”

Another resident said people had objected to any commercial activity including food outlets even before Anson Cube was built.

“Residents were not given advanced notice of the opening of this restaurant/pub. How did MBPP approve this operation without our consent? Now we hear that another restaurant may be coming. This will make our lives worse,” he said.

Many felt that authorities should have ensured an adequate buffer between houses and commercial buildings.

Gerald Mak, a city councillor in charge of the area, said the residents’ complaints were being looked into and an investigation was underway.

When contacted, the restaurant insisted that it abided by the guidelines provided by MBPP.

Its owner said he was taking steps to address the issues brought to his attention, especially on sound pollution, but said council officers had told him the sound pollution “was okay”.