Hong Kong - The popularity of Hong Kong's leader has plunged to a new low in the wake of the contaminated milk scandal in China, according to a survey Tuesday.

Beijing-appointed chief executive Donald Tsang was given a score of 53.4 out of 100 in the monthly poll of more than 750 people, his lowest score since taking office in 2005.

The ratio of people satisfied with Tsang's administration fell 3.7 percentage points month-on-month to 21.3 per cent, also the lowest level since Tsang took office.

Researchers at Hong Kong's Chinese University said the slump in ratings in September appeared to be linked to public dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the Chinese milk scandal.

Many people in the city of 6.9 million believe the Hong Kong government did not take action to block imports or warn people of contaminated milk early enough.

Five Hong Kong youngsters have been treated for kidney stones from dairy products imported from China, where four infants died and tens of thousands of children have been infected.

More than half of all dairy produce sold in Hong Kong comes from mainland China. Hong Kong, a former British colony, reverted to Chinese sovereignty under a 'one country two systems' arrangement in 1997. (dpa)