The Security Bureau today issued a statement in response to the Ombudsman’s report on its direct investigation into the Government’s control of illicit fuelling activities.

The bureau said it welcomed four of the five recommendations made in the report, which have been in place or are being implemented by the Fire Services Department.

They include to review the staff establishment of the task force against illicit fuelling activities, to consider conducting more surprise inspections and joint operations, to review the related penalties, and to explore ways for diversifying publicity and public education.

The fifth recommendation suggests that the Government explore the feasibility of introducing control-at-source improvement measures, in order to combat illicit fuelling activities at the source of supply.

The bureau said the intent of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance is to control the manufacture, storage, conveyance and use of dangerous goods. It will not be in line with that legislative intent if restrictions are imposed on the supply and sale of dangerous goods.

Such restrictions may also cause inconvenience to people’s daily lives, as the substances regulated by the ordinance include many consumer goods widely used by the public.

After careful consideration, the bureau concluded that it cannot accept such a recommendation.