Hong Kong Customs today (July 15) alerted members of the public on the potential skin irritation risks posed by three models of hand wash products.

     Customs earlier received a referral from a related organisation that hand wash products supplied in the market posed potential risks. Customs then conducted a test-buy operation for safety tests. Results revealed that the pH values of three models of hand wash products slightly exceeded the allowed range, violating the relevant safety standard.

     Investigation is ongoing. Customs has ordered the related retailers and suppliers to store 583 bottles of hand wash products in specified places.

     Under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import into Hong Kong consumer goods unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements for consumer goods. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction.

     Members of the public with information relating to unsafe consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Citibank (Hong Kong) Limited on fraudulent websites and phishing SMS message, which has been reported to the HKMA.  Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
           
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the websites should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 15) that due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, the lifesaving services at Golden Beach in Tuen Mun District have been suspended until further notice.

     First aid services will be maintained at the beach.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 15) that Cafeteria Old Beach in Tuen Mun District is temporarily closed until further notice for maintenance on the shark prevention net. The red flag has been hoisted at the beach. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Winning entries of the "When Dreams Blossom" photo competition of the annual Hong Kong Flower Show, which was held in March at Victoria Park, are now on display in the Kowloon Park Arcade until July 31, from 7am to 11pm daily. Admission to the exhibition is free.

     The photo competition, jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), was one of the show's major fringe activities to promote community greening.

     The competition was divided into three categories – Category A: Portrait of TVB Artistes and Miss Hong Kong (Open Section and Student Section); Category B: Flowers; and Category C: Snapshots.

     This year, the competition received over 4 600 entries including photographs of beautiful flowers and plants, pictures of interesting features, and portraits of artistes from TVB and Miss Hong Kong 2018 titleholders posing in the garden displays.

     The winning entries have also been uploaded to the flower show webpage at www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2019/photo_rs.php. For enquiries, please call 2601 8260.

     The flower show was organised by the LCSD. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust supported the flower show for the seventh consecutive year and has been its Major Sponsor since 2014. The photo competition was sponsored by Vitec Imaging Distribution HK Limited and Tamron Industries (Hong Kong) Limited.