Tag Archives: China

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 6) detected two cross-boundary drug trafficking cases through passenger channel at Hong Kong International Airport and seized a total of about 24 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $30 million.

     Two 25-year-old male passengers arrived in Hong Kong on the same flight from Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday morning. During Customs clearance, 12kg of suspected cocaine were found inside their check-in baggage respectively. They were then arrested.

     The two arrested men have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts next Monday (December 9).

     With the Christmas and New Year holidays approaching, there is a possibility that drug syndicates need to traffick in dangerous drugs urgently in order to meet the keen demand during long holidays. Customs will further step up enforcement action to combat transnational drug trafficking activities before the long holidays.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

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

    

     The Civil Aviation Department (CAD), after giving due consideration to the latest operational situation of the Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA), decided not to take further action against HKA’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) for the time being. HKA’s AOC remains valid.
 
     According to Article 6 of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 (Cap. 448 Subsidiary Legislation C), the CAD has to be satisfied that an AOC holder is competent, having regard to his equipment, organisation, staffing, maintenance and other arrangements, to secure the proper and safe operation of his aircraft registered in Hong Kong for the purpose of public transport. In view of the latest financial situation of HKA, the CAD has great concern over the ability of HKA in operating its fleet and made a request on December 2 to HKA, which holds an AOC, to make representation on whether it is able to continue to operate stringently in accordance with the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995. HKA later submitted a representation to the CAD.
 
     A CAD spokesman said today (December 7), “Having examined HKA’s representation and considered factors including the results of our inspections of HKA lately and the relevant inspection track record, the CAD has been satisfied that HKA is able to continue to operate properly and safely in strict accordance with the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995. The CAD, therefore, has decided not to take further action according to Article 62 of the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 against HKA’s AOC for the time being. Nevertheless, the CAD will continue to closely monitor HKA’s operation and take decisive actions should HKA is found unable to operate in accordance with the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995.
 
     “Moreover, the CAD has reminded HKA to operate stringently in accordance with the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995 to ensure aviation safety. The CAD will continue to closely monitor HKA’s flight operations and aviation safety standard, as well as actively inspects and audits HKA in order to verify that its equipment, organisation, staffing, maintenance and other arrangements comply with the above-mentioned legal requirements, for the purpose of ensuring its proper and safe operation in accordance with the conditions specified in its AOC,” the spokesman added. read more

     In view of the cold weather, the Home Affairs Department has opened 18 temporary shelters today (December 7) for people in need of the service.
      
     The temporary shelters will remain open during the daytime tomorrow (December 8) when the cold weather warning is still in force.
 
     To ensure that cold shelter users can rest in a quiet and undisturbed environment, members of the public or agencies wishing to make donations to shelter users are requested to register with the staff of the shelter first. Donors will then be directed to place the donated items at a specified indoor location. The staff will help notify the shelter users to collect the items on their own.
 
     Anyone seeking temporary refuge or with any questions about the donation arrangements at the cold shelters may call the department’s hotline 2835 1473 for more information.
 
     The 18 temporary cold shelters are located at:
 
Hong Kong Districts:
——————–
 
Central and Western:
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
 
Eastern:
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay
 
Southern:
Lei Tung Community Hall
Lei Tung Estate, Ap Lei Chau
 
Wan Chai:
Wan Chai Activities Centre
LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
 
Kowloon Districts:
——————
 
Kowloon City:
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices, 42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom
 
Kwun Tong:
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin
 
Sham Shui Po:
Nam Cheong District Community Centre
1 Cheong San Lane, Sham Shui Po
 
Wong Tai Sin:
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan
 
Yau Tsim Mong:
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
 
New Territories:
—————-
 
Islands:
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building,
39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung
 
Kwai Tsing:
Tai Wo Hau Estate Community Centre
15 Tai Wo Hau Road, Kwai Chung
 
North:
Cheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling
 
Sai Kung:
Hang Hau Community Hall
G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex,
38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O
 
Sha Tin:
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
 
Tai Po:
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
 
Tsuen Wan:
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
 
Tuen Mun:
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun
 
Yuen Long:
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long read more

     The Transport and Housing Bureau (THB) has been closely following up on the financial problems of Hong Kong Airlines Limited (HKA) over a long period of time. Apart from repeatedly requesting HKA to expeditiously and pragmatically resolve its financial problems, the Bureau has taken resolute actions by gradually scaling down HKA’s operation in the hope that HKA’s situation would be under better control.

     THB noted that the Air Transport Licensing Authority (ATLA) announced its decision today (December 7) not to take further action against HKA for the time being after careful consideration of the latest financial information and representation submitted by HKA. 
                
     THB concurs with ATLA’s decision and believes that ATLA has carefully taken into account various considerations, including public and travellers’ interests. The Bureau expects HKA to fully and proactively work with ATLA in meeting all the Authority’s demands. The Bureau also expects HKA to cherish and make good use of traffic rights to provide stable and quality air services, so as to sustain and enhance Hong Kong’s status and reputation as an international aviation hub. 

     A spokesman for THB said today (December 7), “Our aviation policy is to encourage healthy competition. HKA should address the fundamental issues and make the best endeavours to resolve its structural financial problems and improve its financial situation as soon as possible. The Government will continue to closely scrutinise HKA’s operations.”

     THB has reminded HKA again that whilst providing services to passengers in accordance with the terms and conditions of air tickets, it should remain alert and advise the public in a timely manner any situation which may affect the interests of the public and passengers, and make appropriate arrangements. HKA should also take care of its employees’ interests in accordance with applicable laws.

     At the same time, the THB will continue to closely monitor the financial situation of HKA, including whether HKA will respond to ATLA’s requirement in a timely manner, and whether its cash and cash equivalent level is maintained at no less than that stipulated by ATLA. THB will also closely scrutinise the implementation of HKA’s financial improvement plan and its effectiveness. Where necessary, the THB would not rule out the possibility of further scaling down HKA’s operation. read more

     The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, today (December 7) officiated at "Enjoy Mental Wellness" ceremony, the finale of 2019 Mental Health Month (MHM), and presented prizes to the winners of MHM activ… read more