Elevator problems spark tighter govt regulations

The government will take immediate action to strengthen existing regulations to enhance lift and escalator safety in the wake of several recent incidents.

The Development Bureau sent this message yesterday after a meeting chaired by Secretary for Development Carrie Lam, with Permanent Secretary for Development (Works) Mak Chai-kwong and Director of the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) Ho Kwong-wai.

The EMSD will consult with contractors and workers through an existing working group of representatives to review the Code of Practice to strengthen safety requirements for lift maintenance.

113 honored for efforts to improve Hong Kong

Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing has presented commendations to 113 people for their contributions to community building and social services. At the presentation ceremony today, Tsang said the awardees have been actively participating in community service and shown commitments to strive for people's well-being to foster a harmonious society.

Tsang urged them to continue building on their strengths in helping the government improve people's lives and aid the underprivileged and young.

A total of 682 distinguished people have been awarded commendation certificates in the past six years under the Secretary for Home Affairs' Commendation Scheme.

Youth symphony contest

set to start Dec 6

The 2008 Youth Music Interflows will feature 176 orchestras and bands from local schools and community organizations from Dec 6-28. Tickets are HK$30 each for all contests and are available at URBTIX outlets.

The program includes the Chinese Orchestra Contest at Tuen Mun Town Hall Dec 6-7, the String Orchestra Contest at City Hall Dec 7, the Symphony Orchestra Contest at Queen Elizabeth Stadium Dec 13, and the Symphonic Band Contest at Ko Shan Theatre Dec 13-14, and at Tsuen Wan Town Hall Dec 27.

The Gold Award winners of each class will compete for Grand Champion titles in the Winners' Final Dec 28 at Tsuen Wan Town Hall.

Latest melamine tests come back negative

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) released the latest batch of melamine test results yesterday. They showed that all 57 samples tested were satisfactory. These included milk, chicken, eggs and vegetables.

"Test results for some milk, pork, chicken and eggs will be available" today, a government spokesman said.

Meanwhile, melamine test results of all 12 pig-feed samples available yesterday were satisfactory. The samples were collected from six local pig farms, and they were all imported from the United States. Many local pig farmers use feed imported from overseas.

China Daily

(HK Edition 11/14/2008 page1)