Grave-sweepers should keep places clean and dispose of rubbish properly to prevent mosquito breeding, and take extra care when burning incense to avoid hill fires, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department says.

Special cleaning services, extra litter bins and toilet facilities will be provided at cemeteries and columbaria during the Ching Ming Festival.

The department will clear undergrowth, remove stagnant water in incense burners and containers, and level the ground surface to prevent water accumulation. More staff will be deployed to remove rubbish.

To prevent mosquito breeding, people should clear stagnant water and rubbish before leaving the cemeteries. No containers such as vases, lunch boxes, plastic bags, buckets for burning incense and drink cans should be left behind.

Grave-sweepers are advised to wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers and use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites.

Incense burning should only be carried out inside a container or iron bucket, and all fires should be put out before leaving. If there is a hill fire, grave-sweepers should remain calm and immediately notify staff on site.

The department and Civil Aid Service will step up patrols in public cemeteries and columbaria during the period.