The government yesterday launched a 45-day public consultation on the drafting of a new civil protection framework bill, with the aim of allowing the government to better respond to “unforeseen public incidents” – such as typhoons, other natural disasters and major accidents. The bill proposes that the chief executive can order the closure of border checkpoints as well as the suspension of casino operations when “unforeseen public incidents” hit the city.
The bill also proposes a new category of crime for spreading rumours during a state of emergency declared by the government. The bill proposes that offenders face a prison term of up to three years.
A press conference about the public consultation was held yesterday at the Sao Francisco Barracks. The consultation will end on August 11. Three public sessions will be held during the consultation period.
Flanked by senior staff members under his portfolio, Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak (third from left) addresses yesterday’s press conference about a public consultation on the government’s civil protection framework bill, at the S. Francisco Barracks.Photo: GCS
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