Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho has called a panel to review free rice distribution, and intends to meet with 60 organising parties to discuss long-term arrangements for the events.

Three main directions will be discussed, namely:

* enhancing safety measures;

* banning free rice distribution; and,

* modernising distribution methods while maintaining the social custom behind it.

Free rice distribution during the Hungry Ghost Festival is a tradition, but organisers must ensure public safety, he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Ho expressed his condolences over the death of an elderly woman who collapsed at a rice distribution event in Tsim Sha Tsui today.