"We always update our threat assessment in the light of information. Our assessment remains that Hong Kong is a relatively low threat area compared to other parts of the world," Ip told the media at the Central Government Office when asked about the Bali bomb attacks in Indonesia late Saturday.

"But we cannot rule out such a possibility. So we will continue to step up liaison with other security agencies and take the necessary precautionary measures against possible attacks," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2002)