Hong Kong Customs has mounted an operation against the smuggling of animals, codenamed "Pet Guardian", with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shenzhen Customs since November 2023. In late May this year, Hong Kong Cust… read more
Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department… read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 5) investigating a suspected case of mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.
A 51-year-old female developed dizziness around 30 minutes after consuming honey earlier today. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital and was hospitalised for observation due to hypotension and bradycardia. The patient is now in stable condition. Her clinical diagnosis was suspected mad honey poisoning.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had consumed honey brought by her relative from Nepal. The poisoning might have been caused by grayanotoxin. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins which can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur.
Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:
Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Wong Tai Sin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH), the Police and the Housing Department (HD) at Lok Fu Estate in Wong Tai Sin today (June 5).
Customs officers conducted inspections and carried out publicity at the estate to promote anti-illicit cigarette messages and introduce the Government’s proposal to amend the existing legislation to increase penalties for illicit cigarette-related offences to security personnel, residents and traders, as well as to encourage them to report suspected illicit cigarette trading activities to Customs.
If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
Customs will continue to closely monitor the situation of illicit cigarette activities at control points and in the city, and flexibly deploy its resources to clamp down on the crime. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO of the DH’s hotline 2961 8823.
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website.
| Bank | Type of Scam |
| Chong Hing Bank Limited | Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
| Dah Sing Bank, Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |