I received death threats three times in 26 years, top Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung says, calls for vigilance against future pandemics


A top Hong Kong microbiologist has revealed he received life-threatening messages three times over the past 26 years while studying outbreaks in the city and mainland China, also warning the world would pay a “hefty price” if it failed to prepare for other pandemics.

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, chair of infectious diseases at the University of Hong Kong, on Thursday said he had received the threats after repeatedly calling for a ban on the sale of live animals at wet markets.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
SCMP , Hong Kong , Covid-19

Next In Aseanplus News

More than seven months’ jail for man who hurled glass bottle at bus window, injuring passenger in Singapore
Male fertility issues account for nearly half of infertility cases, says specialist
Thai army rejects Cambodia’s ‘false rhetoric’, denies war or environmental crimes
Indonesia meets its goal to seize four million hectares of illegal land, used for mining, palm oil and forestry activities
Southeastern Taiwan shaken by 6.1 magnitude quake, no immediate reports of damage
Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports set new record in 2025 with an income of over US$8.5bil
Trump removes nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial positions; the Philippines and Vietnam among affected
Why 2026 is poised to be another rocky year for global trade
Chinese spy? Propagandist? Former Confucius Institute director tells his story
As peace talk continues; Cambodia says Thailand drops cluster bombs, Thailand claims only targets military objectives

Others Also Read