Remarks by CE at media session before ExCo (with video)
Following are the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (October 29):
Reporter: Good morning. First, because some dinosaur fossils have been discovered in Hong Kong for the first time, so what's the Government's plan, if any, to develop Port Island into a tourism spot and any targets to make use of the dinosaur fossils to attract tourists? And the second question about the Kai Tak Sports Park, is there a need to stage more and bigger drills at the Sports Park after Sunday's (October 27) exercise, and how many drills should be held at the main stadium where large-scale events are mainly held involving 50 000 spectators? Thank you.
[div class="insert-media"]
Chief Executive: The dinosaur fossil is the first discovery in Hong Kong, we are all very excited. On Port Island, of course, work is now proceeding to ensure that we will do the best discovery as possible, and also to ensure that we'll maintain the fossils so that it will not only help research, but will also help develop Hong Kong as a place for us to learn more about the history of dinosaurs. And we will also grasp this opportunity to develop it into maybe a tourist attraction. So rightfully, we will be considering how to develop this into a good attraction. First of all, we will be making use of the courtyard of the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui to build a workshop and exhibition area for people to see the work of the experts and also to see the fossils being prepared. We also plan for a long-term display so that we can all learn more about palaeontology.
In fact, what is encouraging is the discovery on Port Island is in the area of our Geopark. And you know that under the UNESCO Geopark, we actually have a very famous and spectacular spot, which is the hexagonal volcanic rock columns. That is, I think, one of the strongest attractions for people who are interested in natural resources, natural heritage, and also enjoying the nature. So indeed, we will be making use of this opportunity to develop some special tourist lines so that they can look at, first of all, the hexagonal volcanic rock columns, as well as all the other attractions of our Geopark, including some exhibitions of the dinosaur fossils. The Tourism Board, and I think those who work in the tourism industry, will be working hard to develop these new attraction lines of visiting.
[div class="insert-media"]
As regards the drills for the Kai Tak Sports Park, to prepare it for the grand opening on all the subsequent events, it is very important we do all the drills necessary. It has to be progressive so that it will train up, first of all, departmental staff, those who work in the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited and those who are involved, especially in the transport industry. The challenge, of course, is the dispersal of crowds after an event which will comprise 50 000 spectators. That is a challenge we must take up boldly. And that is also why I have been demanding different levels of drills so as to test different elements of operational procedures, different areas of risks, and also to learn about the experiences of those who may eventually become the final spectators of the audience of 50 000.
[div class="insert-media"]
We will progress in such a way that will develop the system to ensure that it will operate smoothly. And then we will progress to test the transport system. And then we'll progress to test all the three sports grounds which include, first of all, the Youth Sports Ground, then the indoor sports centre, and eventually the main stadium. The progression will let us refine our plan through the experiences we gain in each step. I do want the drills to progress fast, but it is also important for reviews and improvement measures to be designed so that we can put them in. I will envisage there will be at least 20-plus drills, and depending on the experiences we will gain through the drills, then we will decide whether more will be necessary. That is why I have set up a task force led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, who will oversee the co-ordination and co-operation of all the government departments, the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited, and transportation operators, ensuring that we have all the contingency plans worked out, including emergency or extreme weather conditions, and ensuring that we have bottom-line thinking and increase our safety margin. I'm sure, through all these different drills, people get familiar with the whole running of the system. And I'm thrilled to learn that those who participated in Sunday’s drill, they were all very committed, and they all gave a strong impression that they want to do a good job for Hong Kong, for the opening and the subsequent running of Kai Tak Sports Park. Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Chief Executive, Mr John Lee.
Monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in February remains at lowest level
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (March 9) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in February dropped further to 0.03 per cent, from 0.1 per cent in January. The index in February remained at the lowest Level 1, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the areas surveyed was not extensive.
In February, all 62 survey areas recorded an area gravidtrap index (AGI) lower than the alert level of 20 per cent, and most of the areas recorded zero per cent. Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in February was 1, which represented that an average of one Aedes albopictus adult was found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas. The gravidtrap and density indices for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The FEHD has continued to intensify mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD has also provided government departments with professional advice and technical support to assist them in swiftly formulating and implementing effective anti-mosquito measures while strengthening publicity and education at the same time. Under the concerted efforts and collaboration of various parties, the index in February remained at a low level. Nevertheless, the warm and humid weather of spring is favourable for mosquito breeding. The FEHD will continue to monitor the mosquito infestation in all districts and will carry out prompt and effective mosquito prevention and control work."
The FEHD continues to conduct a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The first phase of the territory-wide campaign was launched on February 23 and will run until March 20. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD will target residences, schools, construction sites, public housing estates, hospitals, illegal cultivation sites, waterfront public and private cargo working areas, land boundary control points, typhoon shelters and cross-boundary ferry terminals, to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. Furthermore, the second phase of All-out Anti-mosquito Operations, which began on May 7 last year, is still ongoing. The FEHD will continue to collaborate with relevant departments to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites and eradicate adult mosquitoes by means of regular ultra-low volume fogging operations. The FEHD appeals to property management agents to continue actively participating in the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations.
The FEHD currently makes regular announcements on gravidtrap indices for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the FEHD has strengthened information dissemination by promptly announcing the latest gravidtrap indices through press releases and social media.
In addition, to further reduce the risk of transmission of chikungunya fever (CF), the FEHD has extended its intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the AGI reaches 20 per cent, to cover areas with the AGI falling between 10 and 20 per cent. Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks and, in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders, conduct intensive and targeted mosquito control work. The FEHD will also notify nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together to take mosquito prevention and elimination measures.
To reduce the risk of transmission of CF and dengue fever (DF), the FEHD continues to step up mosquito prevention and control measures across all districts and conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations within a 250-metre radius of the residence of patients and the places that patients had visited during the infectious period, including removing mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides to stagnant water that cannot be cleared, and carrying out ultra-low volume fogging operations in adult mosquito habitats such as densely wooded areas, dark and secluded places, and abandoned structures to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and disposable meal boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and CF. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number. Furthermore, according to the WHO, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. Many countries worldwide experienced CF outbreaks last year; as of December 10, 2025, more than 500,000 cases had been reported in over 40 countries/regions worldwide. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although the northern hemisphere has entered the winter season, temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.
Source: AI-found images
