Blight on nature: Dr Sarah Liao and green groups inspect the Tung Chung Stream, part of which was damaged by illegal excavation works.

The Government will gather evidence on the illegal excavation of pebbles and boulders from the Tung Chung Stream and prosecute the offenders, Secretary for Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao said.

Dr Liao, joined by representatives from the Advisory Council on the Environment and green groups, inspected the stream on Lantau this morning.

She said she was shocked to note that illegal excavation and filling works had damaged about 300 metres of the river channel.

The Police and Lands Department will gather sufficient evidence and take legal action against law offenders, she added.

Laws on ecology preservation to be reviewed

Dr Liao said it will take time for the habitat to be reinstated and for life forms to come back.

"I think we will be able to reinstate if we do it properly," she said, adding that relevant laws on preserving the ecology will also be reviewed.

Citybus, New World First Bus to merge assets - not franchises

In response to a reporter's question on the merging of Citybus and New World First Bus assets, Dr Liao noted that the merger is at the holding company's level.

She said: "It does not involve the combination of the two franchises. However, we hope that in making the whole operation more efficient, the benefits can go to our citizens."