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With Chung Yeung Festival approaching, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 12) appealed to the public to exercise their civic-mindedness to keep the environment of public cemeteries and columbaria clean when paying respects to their ancestors. They should also handle used containers properly to prevent mosquito breeding.
The FEHD spokesman said the department would provide special cleansing services at public cemeteries and columbaria during the festival period, and deploy staff to clear undergrowth, remove stagnant water in incense burners and containers, and level the ground surface to prevent accumulation of water.
He said, "Extra manpower will also be deployed to remove rubbish, empty bottles and containers, while additional litter bins and toilet facilities will be provided to keep the environment clean. However, we certainly need public co-operation to achieve our goal of keeping the environment clean."
The spokesman urged people to clear stagnant water and rubbish before leaving and should not leave behind any containers such as vases, lunch boxes, drink cans, plastic bags and other containers to prevent accumulation of water.
Grave-sweepers should be cautious when joss sticks and paper are burnt. This should take place inside designated joss paper furnaces or iron buckets, and grave-sweepers should ensure that all fires have gone out before leaving.
Officers from the department will step up patrols at public cemeteries and columbaria during the period. Grave-sweepers should remain calm and immediately notify the officers on-site in the event of a hill fire.
The spokesman encouraged people to adopt more environmentally friendly ways of paying respects to their ancestors, such as observing a moment of silence, expressing thoughts in writing, or offering flowers instead of burning incense. This would help preserve the cleanliness and serenity of the resting places, and will also prevent hill fires.
As a precaution against mosquitoes, grave-sweepers are advised to wear long-sleeved tops and trousers and apply insect repellent to exposed parts of the body.
The spokesman also appealed to grave-sweepers to make maximum use of public transport during Chung Yeung Festival. Access to Cape Collinson Crematorium, Diamond Hill Crematorium, Kwai Chung Crematorium, Fu Shan Crematorium, Wo Hop Shek Crematorium and Wo Hop Shek Cemetery will be closed to all vehicles, except those with special permission.
Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements at cemeteries and crematoria during Chung Yeung Festival can be found on the Transport Department website at www.td.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, October 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:43
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