Hong Kong plans to set up anti-terror taskforce

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Hong Kong SAR is drawing up plans to establish an anti-terror taskforce in response to an escalation of terror attacks around the world, the South China Morning Post reported on Wednesday.

The proposed taskforce would involve officers from various forces working together to centralize intelligence gathering.

The Hong Kong-based newspaper reported that the Security Bureau would take the lead in establishing dedicated posts at all law enforcement agencies, including immigration and customs, to coordinate anti-terrorism work.

“The government cannot solely rely on the police force to fight against terrorism. Information gathering is the first line of defense. Information is power,” a source told the South China Morning Post.

“Many departments, such as immigration and customs, hold a lot of sensitive and useful information, but they handle only what’s on their own plates, or give out intelligence based on specific events. There is room to improve intelligence exchanges.”

Hong Kong’s existing official “Counter-Terrorism Emergency Coordination Team,” which includes representatives from the Security Bureau, immigration and customs, meets only twice a year. The new taskforce is expected to gather more frequently.

New Chief Executive Carrie Lam will make her maiden policy speech, setting out a vision for the next five years, on Wednesday morning.

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