Secretary for Environment and Ecology Attends 2026 Macao International Environmental Cooperation Forum & Exhibition, Promoting Low-Carbon and Zero Waste Initiatives

Secretary for Environment and Ecology attends Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (March 26) attended the 2026 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) in Macao and officiated alongside officials of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government and other guests at the opening ceremony.

The 2026 MIECF was held with the theme of "Low-carbon, Zero Waste Cities: Embarking on a Global Collaboration". The exhibition booth of the Environment and Ecology Bureau is presenting a number of innovative initiatives adopted by Hong Kong SAR Government departments and local industries. Featured are information boards on carbon reduction strategies such as energy saving and green buildings, new energy transportation, waste reduction and recycling, and smart environmental technology. Videos on related topics will also be shown to demonstrate the innovative technologies the Hong Kong SAR Government is applying to advance environmental protection, green transformation, and low-carbon living.

Mr Tse also paid a courtesy call on the Secretary for Transport and Public Works of the Macao SAR Government, Mr Tam Vai-man, to exchange views on various environmental subjects and collaboration opportunities.

Mr Tse said that Hong Kong has closely collaborated with Macao and other regions of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in multiple environmental fields for years, establishing standing and effective co-ordination mechanisms. He said that the harmonious co-existence between humans and nature is the country's vision. Hong Kong and Macao also adhere to the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets". To meet the country's "dual-carbon" targets and the 15th Five-Year Plan for green development deployment, Hong Kong and Macao will continue to deepen co-operation, jointly drive forward the development of green industries and the green transformation of enterprises, and work together to better seize the new opportunities brought by the country's green development.

Afterwards, Mr Tse visited the exhibition and exchanged views with Hong Kong exhibitors to learn about the latest developments in the local industry regarding environmental technologies and services. He returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (March 26) attended the 2026 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition in Macao. Photo shows Mr Tse (centre) and the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui (second right), exchanging views with an exhibitor. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (March 26) attended the 2026 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition in Macao. Photo shows Mr Tse (fourth left) and the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui (third left), visiting the booth of the Environment and Ecology Bureau. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (March 26) attended the 2026 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition in Macao. Photo shows Mr Tse (left), calling on the Secretary for Transport and Public Works of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, Mr Tam Vai-man, to exchange views on various environmental subjects and collaboration opportunities. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (March 26) attended the 2026 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition in Macao. Photo shows Mr Tse (seventh right), Macao Special Administrative Region Government officials and other guests officiating at the opening ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

A spokesman for the LD said today (April 5) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

Source: AI-found images