The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender notice:
 

Note: Licensed Banks interested in participating in the tender for the first time are encouraged to provide US dollar settlement instructions by email (settlementsection@hkma.gov.hk) to the HKMA's Settlement Team in advance, preferably two days prior to the tender. Required information includes name of corresponding bank, name of final beneficiary (must be the Licensed Bank participating in the tender), and account or CHIPS number of a US dollar bank account to be settled in the US. Such information needs to be provided once only, unless there is further change.

     Hong Kong Customs today (June 15) announced results of its spot checks on swimming aids and aquatic toy products in the past month. Two models of children's swimming rings were found bearing no identification markings or bilingual warnings or cautions, in contravention of the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO) and its subsidiary legislation, the Toys and Children's Products Safety (Additional Safety Standards or Requirements) Regulation (TCPSR).

     Customs earlier received a referral from a related organisation that suspected unsafe swimming aid products (including baby collar rings, chest rings and children's swimming seats) and aquatic toy products (including children's swimming rings) were being supplied in the market. Customs immediately conducted spot checks in various districts and test-purchased 23 models of relevant products for safety tests.

     During the operation, Customs found that two models of children's swimming rings being sold at two retail shops had no identification markings or bilingual warnings or cautions, in contravention of the TCPSO and the TCPSR.

     Customs officers then seized 29 items of one of the models of children's swimming rings at one of the above-mentioned retail shops suspected of violating the regulation.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Furthermore, safety tests on five models of children's swimming seats are under way to ensure that they comply with the general safety requirements of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (CGSO).

     No violation of the TCPSO or the CGSO was found for the remaining 16 models of the relevant products.

     Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using swimming aids and aquatic toy products:
 

• Check for damage or leakage before purchasing and using the products;
• Read in detail the instructions for safe use of the products and the applicable ages;
• Children must be accompanied by an adult when using the relevant products;
• Adults should always pay attention to children's situations when using the relevant products; and
• Do not mistakenly use inflatable swimming aids and aquatic toy products for lifesaving purposes.

     Under the TCPSO, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply in Hong Kong toys or children's products unless the goods comply with the general safety requirements and each additional safety standard. 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.

     Under the CGSO, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply 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 toys, children's products or consumer goods may make a report via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

    

     To reduce the risk of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the community, the Transport Department (TD) said today (June 15) that special arrangements will continue to be implemented at the seven government car parks under the management of the TD for the sale of monthly tickets for July. 

     "The existing holders of a monthly ticket for private car/van, motorcycle or taxi for June can purchase a monthly ticket for the same vehicle type for July with priority. These eligible monthly ticket holders have to complete the procedures for purchasing the monthly ticket for July by 9pm on June 22 at the shroff offices of the car parks concerned. Any such person who fails to purchase the monthly ticket before the above deadline will be regarded as having given up his or her right to purchase the monthly ticket for July. The unsold monthly tickets for private car/van for July will be sold at the shroff offices of the car parks concerned on a first-come, first-served basis from 7.30am on June 23, while the unsold monthly tickets for motorcycle and taxi for July will be sold at the shroff offices from 7.30am on June 24," a spokesman for the TD said.

     The seven government car parks are Star Ferry Car Park, City Hall Car Park, Tin Hau Car Park, Shau Kei Wan Car Park, Aberdeen Car Park, Kwai Fong Car Park and Tsuen Wan Car Park.

     The car park operators will put up notices in the car parks in advance to inform motorists of the above special arrangements.

     The spokesman particularly reminded car park users that subject to the latest situation of COVID-19, the TD will consider reverting to the sale of monthly tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at an appropriate juncture, or adopting balloting temporarily for the sale of monthly tickets, having regard to the physical conditions and parking situations of the car parks concerned. Car park users are advised to pay attention to the announcements of the TD.

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 (June 15) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim 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 (June 15) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Hung Shing Yeh Beach and Pui O Beach in Islands District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.