Press Releases

SHWF's first market visits

The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr E K Yeoh, this (July 5) afternoon met market tenants and hygiene staff to learn more about their operation and day-to-day running of the markets.

Dr Yeoh first visited the 192-stall market in Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok, where he was briefed by the Acting Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mrs Marion Lai, and District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Mong Kok), Mr Tong Yu-sang. 

He also met the first Market Manager, Miss Karen Au Kar-lai, who was appointed last March under a 12-month pilot scheme to improve the day-to-day management and help promoting business of the market. 

After touring the Fa Yuen Street Market, Dr Yeoh then visited the air-conditioned Sai Ying Pun Market in Centre Street, where he was briefed by the District Environmental Hygiene Superintendent (Western), Mr Wong Ping-fai. 

While touring the market, Dr Yeoh talked to some market tenants to learn about their business operation as well as their views on the overall management of the market. He also had friendly chat with the market goers and sought their views on the provision of air-conditioning in markets.

Speaking after the tour, Dr Yeoh said the visits had enhanced his understanding on the operation and management of markets. He was also pleased to have the opportunity to talk to market tenants and colleagues to learn about their business and working condition. 

"Shopping in public markets is part of Hong Kong people's daily life. A lot of people like to buy fresh produce in markets because of the wide variety of choices and reasonable pricing," he said.

Dr Yeoh also pointed out that the updated facilities and provision of air-conditioning as exemplified by the Sai Ying Pun Market had provided a comfortable environment for market goers. He said the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department would also seek to modernise the management of older markets.

"The Market Manager Pilot Scheme at Fa Yuen Street Market, if proved successful, will be extended to all public markets to enhance the management efficiency and viability of markets through the employment of personnel with ample property management experience, " he added. 

End/Friday, July 5, 2002
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Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr E K Yeoh, accompanied by the first Market Manager, tours around the Fa Yuen Street Market. 

Dr E K Yeoh talks to a market tenant in the Fa Yuen Street Market to learn about her business operation. 

Dr E K Yeoh buys lychees from one of the fruit stalls in the Fa Yuen Street Market. 

Dr E K Yeoh seeks a market goer's views on the shopping environment of the Fa Yuen Street Market.