HONG KONG, Dec. 30 -- The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region launched a new air pollution information system called the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) on Monday.

The EPD said the new system, which will replace the existing Air Pollution Index that was introduced 20 years ago, is intended to better monitor air pollution's impact on health and provide more timely and useful information to the public.

The AQHI forecast will also be provided to help the public plan their outdoor activities and consider taking precautionary measures to protect their health.