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The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (December 11) to learn more about the work of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Director of the FEHD, Miss Vivian Lau, and the directorate staff. He was pleased to learn that the FEHD is committed to maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment for the people of Hong Kong and ensuring the food sold in Hong Kong is safe and fit for consumption.
Later, Mr Cheung toured the Training Section of the FEHD to better understand the training programmes for the staff. The Training School under the section was set up in 1992, and mainly provides training programmes for Health Inspectors, Hawker Control Officers and Foremen. The budget for the related training expenses this year is $9 million, which is aimed at providing over 30,000 days of training to the staff.
Mr Cheung then exchanged views with the Health Inspectors II attending the induction course. Health Inspectors II are responsible for various environmental hygiene and food safety functions including licensing, prosecution and management of markets. The trainees joined this 74-day induction course in mid-November, and the course covers the necessary knowledge and skills for them to discharge their duties.
Mr Cheung also met the Senior Hawker Control Officers attending the "Command Course for Squad Leaders". He was pleased to note that the management and law enforcement training provided by the training section to frontline staff could help enhance work efficiency.
During his visit, Mr Cheung met with the staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on relevant departmental issues. He praised the efforts made by staff members and encouraged them to continue to provide quality and efficient services so as to ensure environmental hygiene and food safety in Hong Kong.
Ends/Friday, December 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:59
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