FEHD Launches Anti-Rodent Partner Awards 2026, Inviting Nominations Until February 11

Nominations open for Anti-rodent Partner Awards 2026

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (January 12) the launch of the Anti-rodent Partner Awards 2026, with nominations open from now until February 11.

To raise public awareness of environmental hygiene and encourage people to work together to cultivate good habits for a rodent-free environment, the FEHD launched the Anti-rodent Charter (the Charter) in December 2024. Property management companies, owners' corporations and residents' organisations of private residential premises were invited to participate and jointly create a rodent-free environment. To date, over 680 organisations and groups have signed the Charter, becoming Anti-rodent Partners of the FEHD.

The Anti-rodent Partner Awards 2026 aims to encourage residential premises to establish long-term anti-rodent mechanisms; enhance residents' attention to and engagement in environmental hygiene; and promote experience sharing and interaction among communities. The FEHD hopes that by commending proactive organisations and groups, more stakeholders will be motivated to engage in rodent prevention and control work; cultivate good habits of maintaining environmental hygiene; achieve the ultimate goal of "rodent eradication for all, building a rodent-free community"; and create a healthier, safer and more liveable environment for the public.

All Anti-rodent Partners who have signed the Charter are eligible for nomination. Details of the activity and application methods have been uploaded to the Charter's website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/anti_rodent_charter.html).

An online briefing session will be held on January 16 (Friday) to introduce the details of the activity to Anti-rodent Partners. Interested organisations or groups may register by emailing anti_rodentcharter@fehd.gov.hk.

An FEHD spokesman emphasised that effective rodent prevention and control hinges on the co-operation of government departments, relevant sectors, stakeholders, as well as members of the public to bolster anti-rodent efforts in their respective areas. Members of the public should maintain good environmental hygiene and eliminate the three fundamental survival conditions of rodents, namely food, harbourage and passages, i.e. the elimination of the food sources and hiding places of rodents as well as blockage of their dispersal routes.

The FEHD appeals to residential estates, property management companies and residents' organisations that have not yet signed the Charter to sign it and become Anti-rodent Partners, taking concrete actions to contribute to rodent prevention and control efforts, and jointly create a more liveable environment.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Photo source: reference image

Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies

A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.

On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.

Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.

A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.

Source: AI-found images