The Mass Transit Railway and the Kowloon & Canton Railway have comprehensive contingency measures in place to respond to major emergencies, the Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works says.

Responding to a question in the Legislative Council, Dr Sarah Liao said both corporations are now gathering information about the South Korean arson case to see  whether amendments to the procedures are needed to enhance public safety.

Dr Liao said all concourses and platforms of both the MTR and the KCR are fitted with fire alarms, as well as fire-detection and fire-fighting systems.

The train cars are constructed or modified with fire resistant materials to international fire safety standards, and fire extinguishers and two-way communication facilities are installed in each train compartment, she added.

She said standby battery power is available for both MTR and KCR trains to provide power for 45 to 60 minutes for emergency lighting, communication, broadcasting, door control and ventilation when the primary source of power is cut off.

Dr Liao stressed that the threat of Hong Kong coming under terrorist attacks remains relatively low.

Nevertheless, the Police have been keeping close watch on major railway incidents, including terrorist attacks, in other parts of the world, she added.