Caterpillars discovered near the Hin Tin Swimming Pool have not affected the pools' water quality, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department says. Disinfestation measures have been stepped up and the situation is under control.

The department said caterpillars have been found on a few trees in some raised planters in the pool complex recently. They are over 10 metres away from the closest pool, which is the training pool, and the other pools are further away.

In response to a newspaper report which referred to caterpillars found in the drain, the department clarified that the drain is a storm water drain on the raised planters and is used for discharging rain water. It is entirely separate from the pool water system.

Noting that no caterpillar has been found in the pool water, the department said its horticulture maintenance contractor will intensify pest control measures.