Safety first: Director of Home Affairs Pamela Tan says rice distribution organisers should improve safety.

Free rice distribution during the Hungry Ghost Festival is a tradition that should be kept, but the giveaway method must be improved to ensure safety, the Home Affairs Bureau says.

Speaking to legislators today, Director of Home Affairs Pamela Tan said to help deter large gatherings and queuing for long hours, organisers should distribute rice in smaller packages.

There were over 60 charity Charity rice distributions this year, mostly held by religious bodies.

Mrs Tan said the Government is very concerned over recent scuffles during distributions, with the aging population and more publicity seeing more elderly queuing for free rice.

Consensus to improve

On September 5, organisers agreed with Government calls to improve and modernise rice distribution.

The Home Affairs Bureau conducted a phone survey and found that of the 1,200 respondents, 67% agreed such activities should be retained, 89% asked for improved distribution, including home delivery (45%), rice coupons (28%) and issue of chips in advance (22%).

Government departments will hold meetings with organisers in advance to discuss distribution arrangements and offer any necessary assistance. They will also liaise with the welfare sector to improve distribution and ensure safety.