Transcript of remarks by SEE at media session

    Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, at a media session after a briefing session for District Council members on municipal solid waste charging today (January 26):
 
Reporter: Mr Tse, how will you tackle the sale of fake plastic bags online or prevent residents from buying these fake plastic bags? I understand that some district councillors have expressed concerns in the meeting just now with you about the waste charging scheme, so how will you address their concerns? Thank you.
 
Secretary for Environment and Ecology: As I have just mentioned, for our citizens, they should look for authorised retailers to buy those designated bags. I think that is the best way to make sure that the bags they are going to buy are genuine. As to the Government, the government departments are very concerned about anybody selling unauthorised bags or even fake bags. Therefore, they will work together to conduct surveillance in the market as well as over the web. Whenever they find such cases, they will certainly take actions under the law.
 
     As to the briefing just now for the district councillors, they have provided me with a lot of good questions and good ideas. Many wanted to clarify on how the scheme would be implemented, and some suggested us to enhance our education and publicity. And some suggested to enhance the collection of recyclables in order to support the community. I think those are very good ideas. I will work with my team, taking their views into consideration and improve our work further.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)