The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) raided an unlicensed cold store for chilled meat and poultry meat at Ka Lung Road, San Tin, Yuen Long, early this morning (June 18).

     A 56-year-old man arrested in the operation was charged with operating an unlicensed cold store.

     Under the Food Business Regulation, the maximum penalty for operating an unlicensed cold store is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.

     "We will continue to take stringent enforcement action against unlicensed food business to safeguard food safety and public health," an FEHD spokesman said.

     "Members of the public should report such illegal activities by calling the FEHD hotline 2868 0000."

     Hongkong Post announced today (June 18) that, due to the interruption of air transport services to Afghanistan, air mail services to Afghanistan (except Speedpost) are suspended with immediate effect until further notice.

     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, today (June 18, Geneva time) continued his visit in Geneva, Switzerland, and attended meetings of the Centenary Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

     As part of the delegation of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Dr Law is attending the Centenary Conference from June 17 to 19 (Geneva time), including plenary sittings and a high-level session with national and international leaders, a thematic forum on technological pathways for decent work and meetings of the Committee on the Application of Standards and the Standard-Setting Committee of the ILO on violence and harassment in the world of work. Representatives of the Labour Department and the Labour Advisory Board are also attending the Centenary Conference.

     On the sidelines of the meetings, Dr Law met with the System Initiative Management Team led by the Head of the Centre for the New Economy and Society of the World Economic Forum, Ms Saadia Zahidi, this morning to exchange views on the development of vocational education and skills upgrading of the labour force to prepare for the advent of the artificial intelligence era.

     In his visit to the International Social Security Association (ISSA) yesterday (June 17, Geneva time), Dr Law met with Secretary General, Mr Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, and other key officials of the ISSA and discussed international experience in tackling challenges arising from an ageing population, including the sustainability of the social security system, provision of long-term care and a shrinking labour force.

     Dr Law called on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of the PRC to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, Mr Chen Xu, on the same day to update him on the latest labour market and economic situation in Hong Kong.

     He has also held lunch meetings with delegates of the China Enterprise Confederation and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions over these two days. Dr Law will attend more sessions of the Centenary Conference and meet with the ILO's Assistant Director-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms Tomoko Nishimoto, tomorrow (June 19, Geneva time) before concluding his visit and setting off for Hong Kong.

      

     Following are the opening remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session this afternoon (June 18):
 
Fellow citizens,
 
     During large-scale public processions over the past two Sundays, people have expressed in a peaceful and rational manner their concerns about the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and their dissatisfaction and disappointment with the Government – especially me. I have heard you loud and clear, and have reflected deeply on all that has transpired.
      
     The concerns over the past few months have been caused by deficiencies in the work of the SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government over the amendment exercise. I personally have to shoulder much of the responsibility. This has led to controversies, disputes and anxieties in society. For this I offer my most sincere apology to all people of Hong Kong.
      
     Some of those who joined the processions, as well as my police colleagues who maintained law and order, and media workers covering the incidents were injured in the conflicts. I am very saddened by this.
      
     During the several processions, we saw many people who love Hong Kong taking to the streets to make their views known to the Government. Parents took part for the sake of the next generation. Some who usually remain silent, and many young people, felt the need to express their opinions. I understand these feelings.
      
     To those young people who participated peacefully to express their views, let me say I understand you expect your Chief Executive to listen to different voices, and to respect and care for young people.  "Connecting with Young People" was one of my commitments in the Election Manifesto. I know that we all want Hong Kong to be a caring and well-governed society with hope. I know you have different concerns and views about social issues, yet we share the same passion for Hong Kong.  This incident has led me to realise that I need to do more.
      
     I have never spared any effort to serve the public, but this incident has made me realise, as the Chief Executive, I’ve still got much to learn and do in better balancing diverse interest, in listening more to all walks of life, in taking our society forward. 
      
     I truly hope that those injured can fully recover soon, and that the rift in society could be quickly mended. Hong Kong is our home. It is only by walking together as one community and by staying closely connected that we can bring hope for Hong Kong.
      
     Thank you very much.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     Hong Kong Customs and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) mounted a joint operation on June 13 and seized about 50 tonnes of suspected illegal export waste lead-acid batteries with an estimated market value of about $500,000 at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals.

     Officers from Customs and the EPD inspected two outbound containers destined for Malaysia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals on June 13 and found the batch of waste lead-acid batteries inside the containers.

     Preliminary investigation by the EPD confirmed that the waste was not covered by a valid export permit. The EPD will instigate prosecution against the persons concerned subject to evidence.

     Customs and the EPD have been working closely on risk assessment and intelligence exchange to select suspicious containers for inspection. From July 2018, joint operations by the two departments have resulted in the detection of 73 cases of illegal import and export of hazardous waste. Various kinds of hazardous waste, including waste flat panel displays, waste printed circuit boards, waste toner cartridges and waste batteries, have been seized with a total estimated market value of about $9.5 million. The EPD has successfully prosecuted 18 of the cases. For the remaining cases, investigations are ongoing or pending court trial.

     The EPD has immediately returned the illegally imported waste to the places of origin and notified the local law enforcement authorities for follow-up investigations.

     Customs will continue to step up co-operation with the EPD with a view to curbing illegal hazardous waste import and export activities.

     According to the Waste Disposal Ordinance, it is an offence for anyone to import or export hazardous waste without obtaining a valid permit beforehand. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.