Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (December 29).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

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 announced today (December 29) that Tuen Mun Swimming Pool in Tuen Mun District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 4.27pm today.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

     The Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) yesterday (December 28) during a joint operation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) seized 369 suspected smuggled hairy crabs and about 21 kilograms of crab meat with an estimated market value of about $48,000 at Lok Ma Chau Control Point.

     C&ED officers intercepted an incoming private car at Lok Ma Chau Control Point for inspection yesterday morning and seized a total of 369 suspected smuggled hairy crabs from 5 baskets and 21 kilograms of crab meat from one foam box in the vehicle. The 46-year-old male driver was arrested and has been put on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.

     The C&ED reminds members of the public that 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.

     The FEHD said that according to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food available for sale in Hong Kong, locally produced or imported, should be fit for human consumption. An offender is subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

     The C&ED and the FEHD will continue to maintain close co-operation and intelligence exchange with each other and conduct joint operations to combat the illegal import of food.

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

  

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 rate of medical wards in public hospitals.  Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.

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 (December 29) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.