The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     HKMC Annuity Limited (HKMCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, announced that it has been granted today (May 28) by the Insurance Authority the formal authorisation* to carry on long-term insurance business in or from Hong Kong. It enables the HKMCA to implement the Life Annuity Scheme (LAS).
 
     The HKMCA will announce the sale and distribution arrangements of the LAS, including the registration of subscription intention, allotment and application procedures, in July this year. The HKMCA is making good progress on all of the preparatory work for the LAS. 
 
* A formal authorisation to carry on Class A (Life and Annuity) of Long Term Business in or from Hong Kong.
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:

     Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo Members) today (May 28) visited Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to learn about its latest developments.

     In the company of the Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam, the ExCo Members first visited HKIA Tower. They also listened to Mr Lam's briefing on HKIA's present conditions and future development.

    The ExCo Members then proceeded to the departure hall to see the application of various smart initiatives, including the self-bag drop counters that are currently in operation, and the cloud-based moveable self-check-in kiosks, which allow passengers to perform automatic travel document checking and tag their own check-in baggage. 

     Through applying new technology to enhance its operating efficiency, the Authority strives to leverage on enhanced smart initiatives and technologies to transform HKIA into a smart airport.

     The ExCo Members then inspected the Integrated Airport Centre and listened to staff explaining the monitoring system and work conditions. They were also briefed on the operation of the high-speed cameras for airfield lighting inspections and a cool dolly for temperature-controlled cargoes such as pharmaceuticals, followed by a visit to the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy to experience the training facilities at the academy.

     Acknowledging the significance of HKIA's role in connecting Hong Kong to the world, the ExCo Members said its advanced and well-equipped facilities provide ever more quality and efficient services to local citizens and overseas visitors. The ExCo Members said they are glad that the Authority, in the face of the challenges and opportunities brought about by the rapid development of technology, is constantly upgrading its services and facilities. They expressed the hope that it will continue to provide convenience and satisfaction to all airport users.

     Non-official Members joining the visit today were Convenor Mr Bernard Chan, Mrs Laura Cha, Mr Chow Chung-kong, Mr Ip Kwok-him, Mr Tommy Cheung, Mr Joseph Yam, Mr Ronny Tong and Mr Horace Cheung.

            

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, May 28, 2018 is 99.7 (down 0.1 against last Saturday's index).

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, May 26, 2018 is 99.8 (up 0.2 against last Friday's index).

     â€‹The contractor and sub-contractor of the Water Supplies Department, Yick Hing Construction Company Limited and Charmwood Development Limited, failed to comply with the requirements of the construction noise permit (CNP) twice when carrying out road works in Wan Chai. They were fined a total of $30,000 by Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (May 28) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO).

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received reports from a member of the public during October and November 2017 that road works were being carried out at night at a section of Queen's Road East near Anton Street and Monmouth Path in Wan Chai, causing noise nuisance. According to the video recording provided by a member of the public, EPD staff traced the construction site concerned. The contractors used unauthorised powered mechanical equipment to pave the road during restricted hours (from 7pm to 7am on the next day), which generated excessive noise and violated the CNP requirements. The EPD immediately revoked the CNP of the construction site and prosecuted the main contractor and sub-contractor involved after evidence gathering.

     An EPD spokesman said, "The department has followed up with the works supervisory staff of the Water Services Department, and requested the contractors to properly arrange its works and strictly comply with all CNP requirements." The spokesman expressed gratitude to the member of the public for providing information and testimony to assist the department in successful prosecution against the contractors.

     According to the NCO, anyone who violates the CNP requirements and uses powered mechanical equipment for construction works during restricted hours commits an offence. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000. A maximum fine of $200,000 may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.

     The Registration and Electoral Office (REO) has mailed poll cards to around 8 700 registered electors of the Kai Hiu Constituency to remind them to vote in the Eastern District Council by-election on June 10.
 
     "Electors of the Kai Hiu Constituency can log in to the Online Voter Information Enquiry System (www.voterinfo.gov.hk) if they have not yet received their poll cards to check whether they are registered electors of the constituency and their designated polling station. They can also call the election hotline 2891 1001 for enquiries," a spokesman for the REO said today (May 28).
 
     "Electors are advised to read carefully the address of the designated polling station on their poll cards indicating where they should cast their votes," he said.
 
     Together with the poll cards, the REO has sent to every elector of the Kai Hiu Constituency a map showing the location of the designated polling station, a Guide on Voting Procedure, an Introduction to Candidates and a leaflet from the Independent Commission Against Corruption on clean elections.
 
     Two polling stations will be open to electors from 7.30am to 10.30pm on the polling day. They are located at the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong-Chai Wan Centre, Units 1-10, G/F, Sui Lok House, Siu Sai Wan Estate, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, and Siu Sai Wan Community Hall, G/F, Siu Sai Wan Complex, 15 Siu Sai Wan Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
 
     If any electors of the Kai Hiu Constituency who are remanded or detained by law enforcement agencies other than the Correctional Services Department (CSD) on the polling day wish to vote in this by-election, they will be arranged to cast their votes at the dedicated polling station located at Chai Wan Police Station, 6 Lok Man Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. The polling hours will be from 7.30am to 10.30pm.
 
     Should there be any electors of the Kai Hiu Constituency imprisoned or remanded in the CSD's custody on the polling day, arrangements will be made for them to vote at dedicated polling stations set up at their respective penal institutions. For security reasons, polling hours for the dedicated polling stations at penal institutions will be from 9am to 4pm.
 
     The voting procedure for electors and the venue setup at the dedicated polling stations will be basically the same as those of the ordinary polling stations.
 
     The three candidates contesting this by-election are Tan Chun Chun Enki (No. 1), Ishigami Lee Fung-king Alice (No. 2) and Chik Kit-ling Elaine (No. 3).