The red tides sighted in Hong Kong waters recently have been confirmed non-toxic, and the Government continues to monitor the situation carefully, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

Speaking after the Advisory Council on the Environment special meeting today, Dr Liao said red tide is a natural phenomenon and nobody really knows exactly what causes it to form.

Nevertheless, she believed the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme will help improve Hong Kong waters, since it would see the treatment of all sewage. On the whole, the Government will work with the Pearl River Delta on environment issues.

When asked about the merger of the two rail companies, Dr Liao said they will submit their reports by the middle of the month.