image_pdfimage_print

Author Archives: hksar gov

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled frozen meat (with photos)

     â€‹Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 15) detected a suspected smuggling case using a barge in the waters off Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). About 210 tonnes of suspected smuggled frozen meat with an estimated market value of about $7.3 million were seized.

     Customs officers spotted a suspicious barge when conducting an anti-smuggling operation in the waters off HKIA yesterday evening. Customs officers took immediate action and seized the batch of suspected smuggled frozen meat on board the barge. 

     In the operation, nine men on board the barge suspected to be connected with the case, aged between 28 and 65, were arrested.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Photo  Photo  
read more

East Asia

LegCo committee meetings cancelled

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: 
 
     Four Legislative Council (LegCo) committees have not been formed and their first meetings originally scheduled for Monday (May 18) in the LegCo Complex are cancelled. Details are as follows:
 

     2pm Bills Committee on Inland Revenue (Amendment)(Profits Tax Concessions for Insurance-related Businesses) Bill 2019
   
     2.30pm Subcommittee on Revised Road Users’ Code
   
     3pm Bills Committee on Court Proceedings (Electronic Technology) Bill
   
     4pm Subcommittee on Subsidiary Legislation to Abolish the Embarkation Fee for Cross-Boundary Ferry Passengers
read more

East Asia

CHP reminds public on precautions against heat stroke during very hot weather

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 16) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “The obese, the sick, including those with heart disease or high blood pressure, the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

  • Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
  • Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
  • Perform outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
  • For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation; and
  • Reschedule work to cooler times of the day.

     If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 
  • Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
  • Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
  • Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
  • Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off; and
  • While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

     If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

     The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more

East Asia