Ways to tackle indecent articles discussed at briefing
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The Government is concerned about the recent proliferation of indecent articles, in particular comic books, on the market and their easy access to young people below the age of 18.
In expressing this concern at a briefing and discussion session with members of all the 18 District Boards held today (Wednesday) on the control of obscene and indecent articles, the Secretary for Recreation and Culture, Mr James So, said the Government would spare no efforts in tackling this problem.
"The Government will adopt a three-prong approach in tackling the problem," he said.
"First, the Government will continue to step up enforcement action.
"Second, we will continue with our publicity and education efforts.
"Third, we will amend the laws to place tighter restrictions on the publication and sale of indecent articles to make them less accessible to young persons," Mr So added.
Outlining the enforcement action taken, Mr So said the number of joint operations between Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority (TELA) and the Police had increased substantially this year.
From January to October this year, there were a total of 49 joint operations carried out by the Police and TELA in various districts against obscene or indecent articles including indecent comic books, indecent and obscene computer software, video tapes and CD-ROMs.
So far, more than 12,000 articles have been seized in the joint operations.