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The allocation on internal security and immigration control would increase by 8.8% to $25.2 billion in the 2007-2008 financial year, as compared with $23.2 billion for the current financial year, the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, said today (March 19).
He said the Government was fully committed to using resources cost-effectively to introduce new or enhanced services to ensure that Hong Kong remained a secure and safe city.
Explaining the new and enhanced services at a special meeting of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council, Mr Lee said the Police had identified seven major operational targets for 2007: combating violent crimes, triad-related cases, "quick-cash" crimes, terrorism, trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs, offences related to visitors and illegal immigrants and Mainland visitors, and road safety.
He noted that the overall crime and violent crime figures in 2006 registered an increase of 4.8% and 6.9% respectively as compared with 2005, but a number of serious crimes including burglaries, criminal damage, blackmail and rape decreased. Mr Lee noted that the overall law and order situation remained stable, but the Police would remain vigilant.
On immigration control and customs services, he said the Government would continue to improve these services through the use of information technology including the Immigration Department's trial scheme to extend e-Channel facilities to visitors holding Travel Pass within this year.
In addition, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region e-passport with biometric identifier was introduced in February to comply with the international trend for enhanced passport security and to safeguard the travel convenience enjoyed by passport holders.
The Government has earmarked some $565 million involving 1,373 posts for relevant disciplined departments to cater for the opening of new control points at Shenzhen Bay Port and the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line later this year.
On the admission of talent, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong attracted more than 27,000 talents and professionals through various schemes in 2006, a 57% increase over 2003. In addition, since the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme was introduced in June, 2006, the Immigration Department had received 681 applications up to March 10, 2007. Of them, 149 were allotted quota. The Administration will review the scheme shortly.
Turning to public safety, Mr Lee said the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance would be in force on July 1 this year with a view to further improving the fire safety of pre-1987 composite and domestic buildings. The Administration will adopt a series of measures, including phased implementation based on the age of the buildings, a flexible and pragmatic approach in enforcement as well as provision of appropriate financial and technical assistance to facilitate the commencement of the Ordinance.
Mr Lee said that publicity had been stepped up to promote the appropriate use of emergency ambulance services (EAS). The Administration is also studying the feasibility of adopting a medical priority dispatch system and will continue to review the resources for EAS.
On the custody and rehabilitation of offenders, the redevelopment of Lo Wu Correctional Institution will start in mid-2007 following Finance Committee's approval of the $1.3 billion funding. The Government will continue to study other prison development possibilities to address the problems of over-crowding and outdated facilities in penal institutions. In addition, the Correctional Services Department will continue to work in partnership with various sectors of the community to help rehabilitated offenders re-integrate into society.
On anti-drug measures, Mr Lee said that the Administration would continue to accord priority to enhancing the professionalism of anti-drug workers and monitor the progress of the licensing scheme for drug treatment centres. Measures will be developed in 2007-08, to strengthen the co-operation between private medical practitioners and social workers to address the medical needs of drug abusers and widen the network for early intervention.
To combat money laundering and terrorist financing, the Government would focus on the preparation for the "Mutual Evaluation" on Hong Kong to be conducted by the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering this year, and continue to engage the various sectors concerned in further enhancing Hong Kong's regime and meeting the latest international standards.
Ends/Monday, March 19, 2007
Issued at HKT 14:29
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