The year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the implementation of the reform and opening up policies of the country, a momentous occasion.

     Under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has formed a steering committee to co-ordinate and oversee the major celebration events organised by the Government.

     "To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country, the Government will adopt 'Joint Development·Shared Prosperity' as the theme of the celebration and will roll out the theme music shortly. The Government also will organise a series of celebration events, including a large-scale seminar and a thematic exhibition, and launch a dedicated website for sharing information with the public on various events related to the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country," a government spokesman said today (August 9).

     The spokesman added that the Chief Secretary for Administration had outlined to community and business leaders as well as foreign consuls-general in Hong Kong the various celebration events and promotion activities planned. In addition, the Government launched in August this year the "Accreditation Scheme for Community Events in the HKSAR for the Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Reform and Opening Up of the Country" to encourage community and district organisations to organise different kinds of celebration events.  Organisers of accredited events can use the official logo and slogan designed by the Government in their celebration events and publicity materials (see photo).

     The Government looks forward to the active participation of the community in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country.

  

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, August 9, 2018 is 104 (up 0.1 against yesterday's index).

     A non-registered contractor, L Vogue Design Limited, illegally removed asbestos roofs from the podium of a residential building at 107 Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. It was fined $6,000 today (August 9) at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts for contravening the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO).
 
     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that in January this year, a complaint was received about the illegal removal of asbestos roofs during the demolition of a building structure at a residential building at Kau Pui Lung Road in To Kwa Wan. After investigation, the EPD confirmed that the asbestos abatement works were not carried out in accordance with the statutory requirements, as no registered asbestos contractor was hired to conduct the removal works, and the EPD had not been notified prior to the commencement of the works. After evidence collection, the EPD initiated prosecution against the contractor under the APCO.

     The spokesman said that, to safeguard public health, asbestos abatement works at all buildings must be carried out by a registered asbestos contractor in accordance with the statutory requirements and the code of practice on asbestos control to prevent the release of asbestos fibres from affecting the workers and public health. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. Anyone failing to give not less than 28 days' written notice to the EPD of the commencement date of the asbestos abatement work is also liable to a maximum fine of $200,000.

     A vehicle distributor was fined $730,000 yesterday (August 8) at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts for failing to publish retail prices when selling warranties of new motor vehicles, in contravention of the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance.

     The vehicle distributor was convicted for selling warranties of 17 new motor vehicles between December 2016 and January 2018 without publishing in writing the retail price as required under the Ordinance. The total value of the warranties was $1,470,000.

     Under the Ordinance, a registered distributor commits an offence when selling a motor vehicle without publishing in writing a retail price, including any optional accessories and warranties, of the vehicle. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for 12 months.

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

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 8) seized about 6 400 kilograms of suspected American ginseng with an estimated market value of about $3.5 million at Man Kam To Control Point.

     Customs officers intercepted an incoming container truck at Man Kam To Control Point yesterday evening and found the suspected American ginseng in the container.

     The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.

     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).