TCU's first quarterly report of 2026 released
The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 10 469 complaints and suggestions in the first quarter of 2026, with 252 being pure suggestions.
The complaints and suggestions received during the quarter were mostly related to public transport services (89 per cent), enforcement matters (8 per cent) and traffic conditions (2 per cent).
The number of cases on public transport services decreased from 10 120 in the previous quarter to 9 331 this quarter, while that on illegal parking and other enforcement matters decreased from 955 to 800. The number of complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions decreased from 407 to 249 and those on road maintenance decreased from 48 to 42.
All the complaints and suggestions received by the TCU in the quarter were referred to the relevant government departments and public transport operators for follow-up action.
During the period under review, investigations into 9 020 cases were completed. Of these, 7 940 cases (88 per cent) were found to be substantiated,three cases (less than 1 per cent) were unsubstantiated, and the remaining 1 077 cases (12 per cent) could not be pursued due to a lack of evidence.
For the substantiated cases, the relevant government departments and public transport operators have either taken steps to rectify the situation or are considering possible solutions to the problems identified. Among these cases, 11 drivers were summonsed by the Police.
During the quarter, the relevant government departments and public transport operators took on board 11 suggestions made by the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases is in the Appendix.
Members of the public may make their suggestions or complaints to the TCU by dialling the hotline 2889 9999 (voice mail service is available outside office hours), by fax to 2577 1858, by email to info@tcu.gov.hk or by filling in a form on the TCU website (www.tcu.gov.hk).
Source: AI-found images
CHP investigates cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae carrier cases
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 27) investigating a cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carrier cases involving four residents of a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE). The CHP reminded all RCHEs to implement measures for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in accordance with theGuidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseasein RCHEs(the Guidelines).
The CHP received a notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) in recent months that two residents living on the same floor of an RCHE in Wan Chai District had been admitted to a public hospital for treatment due to their underlying illnesses. Their admission screening samples tested positive for CPE upon laboratory testing and they were suspected to have been infected in the RCHE. Following the HA's notification, the CHP immediately conducted epidemiological investigations and contact tracing and screening. Two additional carrier cases were subsequently identified.All four patients (one male and three females, aged between 73 and 90) are carriers, with none of them having exhibited symptoms associated with CPE infection. They are currently in stable condition.
The CHP's investigation found that the source of infection of the aforementioned four recently detected carrier cases may have come from another previously known carrier on the same floor of the RCHE who had been infected in hospital. The CHP inspected the RCHE concerned and found that the RCHE management had not duly implemented the related infection prevention and control measures. It cannot be ruled out that the bacteria were transmitted by the staff or through contaminated environment within the RCHE. The CHP reminded the RCHE management to adhere to the Guidelines and take necessary measures, which include ensuring adequate hand-washing facilities, enhancing good hand hygiene among staff and residents, and cleaning and disinfecting the environment thoroughly. The CHP also recommended that the RCHE cohort the carriers in the same area.
The CHP will continue to investigate the cluster of cases and conduct screening at the RCHE concerned to determine whether there are any other CPE-carriers. The CHP will also continue to put the RCHE under medical surveillance.
Enterobacteriaceae (such as Escherichia coli andKlebsiella) are common pathogens that can cause infections in various parts of the body, including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections or blood infection. CPE are enterobacteriaceae that produce carbapenemase, an enzyme that can deactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins. These bacteria are commonly resistant to multiple antibiotics, limiting therapeutic options, and may render severe clinical infections difficult to treat. The range of diseases associated with CPE varies from asymptomatic carriage to potentially life-threatening or fatal infections. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection and the patient's general health.
The proper use of antibiotics and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for preventing the emergence and cross-transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), such as CPE. In addition, susceptible individuals such as the elderly, infants, young children, people with weakened immunity and pregnant women can reduce their risk of contracting MDROs by avoiding raw or undercooked foods.
Source: AI-found images
