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Vigilance ensures HK's security: official

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-06 16:09

Hong Kong -- The enforcement agencies will maintain vigilance to ensure Hong Kong's security as the city's economy and people's livelihood are affected by the global financial turmoil, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Saturday.

Speaking at the Fight Crime Conference in Hong Kong, Tsang said the territory successfully overcame various economic and public health challenges in the past and such experience and the concerted efforts of the whole society will allow the city to maintain its status as the safest in Asia.

HKSAR Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang said Hong Kong's crime figures remain low, with overall crimes reported in the first 10 months down 2.5 percent on the same period in 2007 and violent crimes falling 2.8 percent. However, youth drug abuse has become more and more serious, with young abusers surging 34 percent in the three years ending 2007.

The Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse has proposed introducing legislation allowing compulsory testing of people suspected of consuming drugs. Tang reiterated the proposal will allow identification of young drug abusers and early intervention for treatment and rehabilitation, instead of facilitating prosecution.

The HKSAR government will propose the implementation details and ways to protect human rights soon and will seek public views on the issue.