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New legislation to enhance fire safety
The Government is in the course of drafting new legislation to require commercial premises, particularly those located in old buildings which do not have any sophisticated fire protection systems, to upgrade their fire safety installations, the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, said today (Tuesday).
Speaking at the opening of the Fire East '95 Conference, Mr Lai said in an effort to further promote fire safety, commercial premises would be required to upgrade their fire safety installations, including retrofitting automatic sprinklers.
"Fighting and preventing fire is an on-going battle, with no room for complacency," he said.
"With the implementation of this legislation, we will make Hong Kong a safer place for our citizens and visitors."
Mr Lai noted that fire could pose a great hazard in Hong Kong, where there are over six million people living in about 1,000 square kilometres of land.
"Fortunately, we have in recent years been able to keep our fire losses consistently low compared with other major cities around the world.
"This is possible because we have such a well-trained and well-equipped Fire Service, whose staff carry out their duties with a high degree of professionalism, courage and efficiency," he said.
The purpose of the Fire East '95 Conference is for participants to share ideas and experience as professionals, so that they can continue collectively to develop strategies and solutions to minimise the harmful effects of fires.
End/Tuesday, November 7, 1995