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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (August 31) visited the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) to better understand the various services provided by the department.
Accompanied by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Gregory Leung, Mr Tsang started his visit at the department's Mong Kok District Environmental Hygiene Office where he was briefed on the newly acquired $9 million Licensing Management Information System (LMIS).
The LMIS, which stores data concerning all licences/permits handled by the department onto a central computer system, gives staff quick access to information relating to the licence status of each premises.
The system currently covers licence renewals and when in full operation early next year will also cover new applications, alteration, transfer and amendment of licences.
Mr Tsang noted that the department handled matters relating to around 32,000 licences/permits in 2004.
"I am happy to see how information technology enhances efficiency, especially in the handling of licensing matters, which is a matter of concern to the trade," he said.
Mr Tsang also took the opportunity to chat with frontline staff of various ranks working in the Mong Kok office to gain a better understanding of their work.
He acknowledged the difficulties sometimes faced by law enforcement officers, especially in handling cases of illegal hawking and environmental nuisance such as water seepage and hygiene-related offences. He encouraged them to continue to carry out their duties professionally and to provide the best service to the community by improving food and environmental hygiene. Mr Tsang said he believed that in return the community would appreciate their efforts and support them in their role.
"Without the commitment and support of the frontline staff, it will not be possible for the Government to achieve 'people-based governance'," he said.
The Chief Executive concluded his visit with a tour of some food premises at a shopping mall in Kwun Tong and chatted with workers.
Concerned about recent food poisoning incidents, Mr Tsang was briefed by a health inspector on the way food premises were inspected, including scrutiny of the hygiene conditions of the premises and dissemination of food safety messages to the workers and management.
"The visit has given me a clearer understanding of the problems faced by the trade and the ongoing measures being carried out to improve the food business," Mr Tsang said.
He encouraged the catering trade to continue its close work with the Government in promoting food safety with a view to maintaining Hong Kong as a gourmet's paradise for both the local community and tourists.
Ends/Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:18
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