The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (January 20) conducted an open drawing of lots and a computer ballot for the monthly applications for new extendable niches at Tsang Tsui Columbarium, Tuen Mun, received in December 2020 and the results have been released today.  
 
     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The FEHD received a total of 4 378 eligible applications in December last year. Drawing of lots and computer balloting were conducted today to determine the priority of all eligible applications and the designated niches for individual successful applicants. The ballot results have been uploaded to the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk) and will be available at the FEHD's Hong Kong and Kowloon Cemeteries and Crematoria Offices and Public Niche Allocation Office from tomorrow (January 21) for viewing by applicants."
 
     He added, "The FEHD will also notify the successful applicants by SMS and email of the designated niche allocated and later issue letters in batches to invite them for completion of allocation formalities and payment of fees according to their priorities."
 
     In order to meet the needs of bereaved families and shorten their waiting time for a public niche, the FEHD has adjusted the number of available niches for allocation so that all eligible applications were successful. Nevertheless, the total number of niches to be allocated in that columbarium will remain around 20 000 in a year.
 
     For further enquiries about the allocation of niches, please visit the FEHD website, call 2841 9111 or send email to enquiry_newniche@fehd.gov.hk.

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region released $66.78 million from the Disaster Relief Fund in the year 2019-20 to support relief organisations in providing emergency relief to the victims of disasters that occurred outside Hong Kong.

     Grants amounting to $66.78 million were disbursed for 18 programmes carried out by nine relief organisations, providing relief to typhoon and flood victims in Malawi, Mozambique, India, the Mainland of China, Nepal, Bangladesh and the Philippines. The number of beneficiaries was estimated to be around 470 000. The nine relief organisations concerned were Adventist Development and Relief Agency China (Hong Kong); Oxfam Hong Kong; Amity Foundation, Hong Kong; CEDAR Fund; Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong; Plan International Hong Kong; World Vision Hong Kong; Hong Kong Red Cross and Save the Children Hong Kong.

     To cater for the different needs of the victims, a wide range of relief items had been distributed through the relief programmes, including food, quilts, hygiene and household items (such as water filters, emergency latrine kits, mosquito nets, kitchen utensils and portable solar powered lights) and temporary shelter materials and tools (such as tarpaulins, ropes and floor mats) as well as education kits (such as notebooks and stationeries). From the feedback gathered by the relief organisations, the victims were very grateful for the timely assistance provided by the Disaster Relief Fund. 

     Relief organisations receiving grants from the Disaster Relief Fund are required to submit evaluation reports and audited accounts to the Government on the use of the grants after the completion of the relief programmes. 
 
     The Disaster Relief Fund, administered by the Administration Wing under the Chief Secretary for Administration's Office, provides an effective channel for the Government to respond swiftly to appeals for humanitarian aid in relief of disasters that occur outside Hong Kong. The annual report on the activities of the Fund for the year 2019-20, photos of the relief programmes and feedback from the victims have been uploaded to the Administration Wing's website at www.admwing.gov.hk/eng/links/drfund.htm.

     The Disaster Relief Fund is replenished by the Government at the start of each financial year and, as necessary, during the financial year, depending on the calls for relief and the size of the Fund balance and commitments.

     The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee is responsible for advising the Government on the policy and practices regarding the disbursement of funds for disaster relief, specific amounts of grants made to the applicants, as well as monitoring the use of grants.

     The Committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration. Members are Mr Ip Kwok-him, Dr Lam Ching-choi, Mr Kenneth Lau Ip-keung, Mr Lau Kwok-fan, Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi, Professor Emily Chan Ying-yang, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     In view of the severe situation of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat (Secretariat) will continue to arrange staff to work from home until January 27, except those who are responsible for servicing Council meetings or committee meetings and maintaining basic operation of the Secretariat, and those performing on-site duties.

     Meanwhile, the Secretariat will maintain all the existing epidemic prevention measures and special arrangements. For details, please refer to the announcement on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk/general/english/sec/corg_ser/whats_on_20210120-e.pdf).

     The Secretariat will closely monitor the development of the epidemic and review the measures to make further announcements in due course.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 is 100.6 (down 0.4 against yesterday's index).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender result: