Hongkong Post announced today (March 29) that hand-picked philatelic products issued by Macao and the overseas postal administrations of Australia, Canada, the Isle of Man, Liechtenstein, New Zealand and the United Kingdom will be put on sale from March 31 (Wednesday).
      
     One of the highlights is a presentation pack featuring the beloved fictional hero Sherlock Holmes issued by Royal Mail, which comes with a stunning compilation of stories and images as well as stamps depicting the six key characters from the TV series "Sherlock". Adding an extra touch to excite fans of the mystery series, hidden details from the episode storylines will be revealed when UV light is shone over the stamps. It also contains a four-stamp souvenir sheet with stunning illustrations of four classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries. An up-close look at the fascinating presentation pack will certainly inspire collectors to read the original stories and novels again.
      
     Also recommended are the commemorative stamp products issued by the Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau and Liechtensteinische Post AG celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven, who is acclaimed as one of the most influential composers of all time and a predominant musical figure in the transitional period between the classical and romantic eras. Beethoven's legacy lives on to inspire many musical creations around the world even today.
      
     Festive stamps have been an all-time favourite among keen philatelists. Hongkong Post is therefore offering Christmas and Year of the Ox stamp products issued by various postal administrations in the selection, with vibrant colours and vivid graphics used to convey the moods of festivities around the world. Those who are fond of collecting stamps with special shapes should not miss the first-ever triangular stamps issued by the Isle of Man Post Office, which depict the placidity and sturdiness of the ox, and portray the folklore story of the race between creatures for a place in the 12 Chinese zodiac signs.
      
     The above philatelic products will only be available for sale at the Hongkong Post online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) starting from 8am on March 31. Details of the philatelic products, the prices and the sales quota are set out in the Appendix. For further information, please visit the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) or call the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline at 2785 5711.

                                              

     The Water Supplies Department (WSD) announced today (March 29) that a pilot scheme on relaxation of the fishing period in reservoirs will be launched on April 1, allowing anglers holding valid fishing licences to fish in the Plover Cove Reservoir and the Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs (i.e. the Tai Tam Upper Reservoir, the Tai Tam Byewash Reservoir, the Tai Tam Intermediate Reservoir and the Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir) throughout 2021. 
      
     To prevent overfishing from affecting the environment and water quality of the reservoirs, anglers holding valid fishing licences issued by the WSD were only allowed to fish in reservoirs during the fishing period from September 1 of each year to March 31 of the following year. In view of the ever-growing public interest in fishing activities and that local reservoirs are one of the most popular fishing spots, the WSD is planning to relax the restriction on the fishing period under the premise of not affecting the reliability and safety of the water supply, so as to allow anglers holding fishing licences to enjoy the fun of fishing throughout the year.
      
     Through the pilot scheme, the WSD will assess the impact of relaxing the fishing period on the reservoir environment and the species and quantities of fish therein. Upon completion of the scheme, the WSD will conduct a review to determine a long-term implementation plan.
      
     Anglers wishing to fish in local reservoirs must apply for a licence from the WSD. Applicants aged 13 or above can apply for the licence, which is valid for three years, at a fee of $33. Please refer to the WSD website for the application procedures.
      
     Anglers should observe the terms and conditions of the fishing licence to safeguard the precious water resources from being polluted. The WSD reminds anglers and other visitors to keep the gathering grounds, catchwaters and reservoir areas clean, not to litter or throw rubbish or objects into the reservoirs, and to avoid activities such as water play, swimming, washing or ritual release of animals, including fish, in gathering grounds, catchwaters and reservoirs to safeguard water safety and public health. Polluting the reservoirs is an offence. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and two years' imprisonment.
      
     The WSD will closely monitor the water quality by conducting regular examinations of water samples taken at impounding reservoirs to ensure good water quality.

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The Ombudsman, Ms Winnie Chiu, today (March 29) announced the completion of a direct investigation into the Government's handling of misconnection of private building sewers to the stormwater collection system (referred to as "sewer misconnection") and has made eight recommendations for improvement having regard to the inadequacies found on the part of the Buildings Department (BD) and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). 

     Investigation by the Office of The Ombudsman revealed serious delay in the BD's handling of sewer misconnection cases. In one such case, sewer misconnection had remained unrectified for 11 years. The reasons for delay included the BD's ineffective monitoring mechanism, failure to initiate investigation swiftly and properly deploy manpower for handling cases, indecisiveness in taking enforcement action and lack of proactive assistance  for buildings without an owners' corporation, a residents' committee or a management company.

     The Office acknowledged the practical difficulties facing the EPD in investigating sewer misconnection cases pursuant to the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO). However, the EPD should endeavour to take enforcement action against offenders to reduce  coastal water pollution caused by an inflow of untreated sewage. To this end, the EPD should seek the Department of Justice's advice to explore the possibility of adducing circumstantial evidence for applying for a warrant to enter premises for an in-depth investigation and evidence gathering. To increase success in entering premises for investigation, the EPD should also consider taking joint action with the BD, which possesses the power of entering premises. In the long run, the EPD should review the WPCO and consider making legislative amendments to enhance its enforcement power.

     The Office considered that the Drainage Services Department (DSD) had properly performed its duties in investigating and referring sewer misconnection cases, as well as implementing mitigating measures.

     Data shows that sewer misconnection is one of the major pollution sources affecting the quality of Hong Kong coastal waters. The resultant inflow of untreated sewage into the sea causes pollution and foul odours. To tackle sewer misconnection cases, the EPD and the BD take action pursuant to the WPCO and the Buildings Ordinance respectively, while the DSD would assist both departments in their investigation. The DSD also builds dry weather flow interceptors and places odour control hydrogel in various districts to alleviate pollution and unpleasant smells.

     The Ombudsman has made eight recommendations to the BD and the EPD for improvement. For details, please refer to paragraph 5.19 of chapter 5 of the investigation report.

     The full investigation report has been uploaded to the website of the Office of The Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.hk for public viewing.

  

     â€‹The Transport Department (TD) said today (March 29) that its online appointment booking service has been extended to cover the submission of over-the-counter applications at Licensing Offices for all driving licences, including full driving licences (first issue), probationary driving licences, learner's driving licences, driving instructor's licences, direct issue of full driving licences, temporary driving licences and driving tests (private car, light goods vehicle, motor cycle and motor tricycle) from today. The opening period for online appointments is 10 weeks. At the same time, "iAM Smart" holders can also make online appointment bookings for counter services at the Licensing Offices through the system.
      
     Members of the public can access the new online appointment booking service through this link: www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/drivinglicense/onlineservices.htm.
      
     An applicant may submit one application for the abovementioned driving licences within a scheduled time slot. If an applicant makes an appointment to apply for a driving test (private car, light goods vehicle, motor cycle and motor tricycle), he/she may also submit an application for a learner's driving licence (private car, light goods vehicle, motor cycle and motor tricycle) under the name of the same applicant at the same time. Applicants should note that online appointments for over-the-counter applications of learner's driving licences (commercial vehicle) and driving tests (private car, light goods vehicle, motor cycle and motor tricycle) are only applicable at the Hong Kong Licensing Office and the Kowloon Licensing Office, while appointments for the applications of direct issue of a full driving licence and temporary driving licence are only available at the Hong Kong Licensing Office.
      
     In view of the epidemic situation, members of the public will be required to scan the "LeaveHomeSafe" QR code or register their names, contact numbers and the dates and times of their visits before entering the Licensing Offices for necessary contact tracing in case a confirmed case emerges. The service hours of the Licensing Offices are 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
      
     For enquiries, members of the public can contact the Licensing Offices at the following numbers:
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rates in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.