Chief's brief: Chief Executive Donald Tsang sees how the new Licensing Management Information System works.

The new $9 million Licensing Management Information System will enhance efficiency in the handling of licensing matters, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

He visited the Mong Kok District Environmental Hygiene Office today, where he was briefed on the new system by Director of Food & Environmental Hygiene Gregory Leung.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department handled matters relating to 32,000 licences and permits last year. The new system gives staff quick access to information relating to the licence status of each premises by storing data concerning all licences and permits handled onto a central computer system. It currently covers licence renewals and when in full operation early next year will also cover new applications, alteration, transfer and amendment of licences.

Staff support

Mr Tsang met with frontline staff to gain a better understanding of their work. Noting the difficulties sometimes faced by law-enforcement officers, he encouraged them to continue their duties professionally and to provide the best service to the community by improving food and environmental hygiene.

"Without the commitment and support of frontline staff it will not be possible for the Government to achieve people-based governance," he said.

Mr Tsang also toured eateries at a shopping mall in Kwun Tong. Concerned about recent food poisoning incidents, Mr Tsang was briefed on the way food shops are inspected. He called on the trade to work with the Government in promoting food safety and ensure Hong Kong's image of a gourmet's paradise.