As a non-Muslim resident living in Pantai Hillpark, I wish to give my opinion on how to resolve this issue of the azan volume, that if not properly handled will stir up unnecessary emotions amongst us Malaysians.

Firstly, it would be fair to say that the mosque has been there much more longer than the new developments that is taking place rapidly around the area. People who buy properties and decided to stay there should have made known to themselves about the nature of the surroundings and whether it is acceptable to them.

Every residential area has its specific characteristics; we cannot expect people who have already been there first to accommodate to our later presence. I am sure there is even a legal term for that.

The supposedly 'loud volume' is mainly due to the reflection and amplification of the sound from the hard-faced hills surrounding the area. A simple solution that will satisfy all will be to re-adjust the vertical and horizontal angles of speakers so that they are directed at the nearby Muslim communities around the mosque rather than the hills or any tall buildings.

The call for azan has always been part and parcel of Malaysian life, so much so that some of us have come to use it as a useful indication to the times of the day. We should learn to look at the positive side of all aspects of Malaysian life rather than focus on the negative side and making a big fuss of them.

And as Malaysians with diverse cultures, faiths and values; we should learn to discuss, rationalise and accommodate more and complain less.