Commissioner Tang King-shing attended Iftar - an evening meal for breaking the daily fast during Ramadan - at the Kowloon Mosque in Tsim Sha Tsui on September 2.

According to the Muslim faith, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar is the holy month called Ramadan. Since Muslims believe the gate to heaven will open during this month, Ramadan is a special time of intensive prayer, charity, divine worship and fasting. Fasting is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins.

In recognition of the long-standing relationship between the local Police and the Muslim community, Kowloon West Regional Commander Tang How-kong and Yau Tsim District (YTDIST) Commander Lau Yip-shing were also invited to this auspicious function. Other distinguished guests were the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, the Consul-Generals in Hong Kong, including the USA, the UK, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Bangladesh, and dignitaries from various Muslim organisations.

In support of the Force Strategic Direction on "Engaging the Community", YTDTST has adopted a progressive approach to enhance police services to the Non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) communities, including the Muslim, according to their needs and requirements.

This year, YTDIST has also incorporated NEC community policing into its Annual Policing Plan as a key operational priority. It has also launched a series of initiatives to support the four strategic directions set by the Kowloon West Sub-working Group on NEC, namely, proactively engaging the NEC communities; enhancing the professional qualities and racial sensitivity of officers; strengthening NEC involvement in crime prevention, and supporting frontline units in dealing with NEC.

YTDIST's forthcoming major initiative will be an anti-drug variety show for NEC parents and children on December 12. NEC community leaders, non-government organisations serving the ethnic minorities, and NEC schools have pledged full support for the event.

Commissioner Tang King-shing meets Muslim community leaders at their Iftar