The government said on Wednesday it plans to hold a large-scale counter-terrorism drill by the end of the month, to simulate responses to attacks on critical local infrastructure.

Chief Executive John Lee made the announcement after chairing the first Chief Executive Counter-terrorism Steering Group meeting, which was also attended by top officials.

"While Hong Kong is safe and stable in general, the global terrorism situation has remained complex. As a metropolitan city, Hong Kong may also face threats under the global and local terrorism landscape," he said in a statement.

Lee said there is a need to further strengthen the government's ability to respond to terrorist threats, and a large-scale exercise will enhance awareness and the ability of different departments to coordinate their response.

The steering group was formed as part of last year's Policy Address, which made the group the top of a three-tier terrorism prevention framework.