In an effort to further improve environmental hygiene, the Government launched a new Clean Hong Kong Programme in December 2000. Since then, the FEHD and other departments concerned have been carrying out a series of enhanced cleansing operations. An example is the provision of regular cleansing services to over 1 300 locations of 'grey areas' (i.e. areas where no government department was responsible for clearing waste in the past including unallocated government land and ungazetted beaches and coastal areas). Apart from this, some 200 hygiene 'black spots' such as back lanes and canopies of older tenement buildings have been cleaned up. In 2002, the FEHD further stepped up its cleansing services in streets and public places. For instance, the provision of intensive street washing services and removal of gum marks and other stubborn stains have given a new look to many streets.

    To step up law enforcement action and increase the deterrent effect, the Government has put in place, since May 27, a new fixed penalty system against littering and other common public cleanliness offences. The Fixed Penalty (Public Cleanliness Offences) Ordinance covers littering, spitting, unauthorised display of bills or posters and fouling of streets by dog faeces. It provides for a fixed penalty of $600 for committing these offences.

    The enhanced cleansing operations and enforcement action, coupled with public education and publicity, have brought about visible improvement in the cleanliness of Hong Kong.

    On community involvement, District Councils and community groups have been invited to participate in Clean Hong Kong activities to signify a renewed public commitment to a cleaner Hong Kong. The 18 District Clean Hong Kong Committees organised over 200 district promotional activities in 2002. The FEHD also funded more than 100 projects organised by voluntary bodies, with 25 000 participants joining these events. In addition, over 1 600 voluntary helpers have been appointed Clean Hong Kong Ambassadors to help disseminate the message.