The six-day Beijing-Jiuquan Exchange Tour held by the Junior Police Call (JPC) concluded its main itinerary today (September 28). Eighteen JPC members started their journey on September 24. In addition to visiting a number of historical and cultural sites in Beijing, the members also visited the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu Province. This not only enhanced participants' understanding of our nation’s history and popular science knowledge, it also provided opportunities for them to have a closer understanding of our country's latest technological developments and achievements.
 
     The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre is an important stop of the tour. On September 27, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, led the delegation to witness the historic moment when the mascots of the Force and the JPC were launched into space together with a satellite.
 
     The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre is the birthplace of China's aerospace industry. The whole nation rejoiced after China's first satellite "Dongfanghong 1" was launched into space from the centre on April 24, 1970. Since its establishment in 1958, the centre has carried out numerous historic launch missions, witnessing the glorious history of China's aerospace development.
 
     The satellite launched today is named "Shijian Satellite 19”. Accompanying the satellite into space were the Police's anti-scam mascot “Little Grape” and JPC mascot "Mini Bean". The cute "Little Grape" promotes anti-scam messages, while the amicable “Mini Bean” symbolises the self-discipline and bravery of JPC members.
 
     This was the first time for JPC members to witness a satellite launch in Jiuquan. The space flight of "Mini Bean" symbolises the infinite possibilities of the younger generation and inspires JPC members to bravely pursue their dreams and explore the unknown.
 
     In addition to witnessing the satellite launch, the Commissioner also led the JPC members to visit the launch site of the LandSpace liquid oxygen-methane carrier rocket, launch tower of the Shenzhou manned spaceships, and astronaut dormitory “Wen Tiange” to learn about the daily lives and training of astronauts.
 
     The delegation will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 29).
 

              

     Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-lowering ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 6pm today (September 28) will be cancelled.

     If the thunderstorm warning is cancelled and weather conditions permit by then, the flag-lowering ceremony may be resumed without further notice.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     In response to media enquiries on the arrest of Yan Chai Hospital staff by the Police, a spokesman for the Hospital Authority (HA) gave the following response:

     Regarding the patient case on May 25, 2024, involving a four-year-old girl who developed cardiac arrest following a suturing procedure in the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital (YCH), two staff members involved in the suturing procedure were arrested by the Police this morning. The staff concerned will be suspended from their duties. YCH will adhere to its prevailing human resources policies in handling the case. The HA will all along fully co-operate with the Police investigation.

     The patient has been receiving treatment in the Peadiatric Intensive Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital since May 25, 2024. She remains in critical condition and dependent on nasogastric tube feeding and ventilatory support. The HA expresses deep concern for the patient and her family and will continue to provide appropriate treatment and support.

     As legal proceeding are ongoing, it is inappropriate for the HA to make further comments on the case.

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 27) detected a large-scale illicit cigarette smuggling case in the waters off Po Toi Island and seized about 10 million suspected illicit cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $45 million and a duty potential of about $33 million, on board a fishing vessel.

     Customs in the early morning of yesterday intercepted a suspicious fishing vessel in the waters off Po Toi Island. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized the batch of suspected illicit cigarettes inside the compartments of the vessel. Five non-local men, aged between 29 and 43, suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.

     Customs will continue to trace the source and the flow of the illicit cigarettes. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     The five arrested men will be charged with one count of importing unmanifested cargoes. They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on September 30.

     Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities.

     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.

     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 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    

     In response to media enquiries on the arrest of two staff of Yan Chai Hospital by the Police, a spokesman for the Health Bureau (HHB) gave the following response today (September 28):

     The spokesman said, "As the case is under legal proceedings, it is inappropriate for us to comment. We are deeply saddened by the circumstances of the girl in this case. The clinical team of the Hospital Authority (HA) will continue to provide optimal treatment to the girl and maintain close liaison with her family to provide timely support. 

     "The HHB has been highly concerned about the incident. Patient safety is the prime concern of hospital operations. We understand that the HA will fully assist in the Police's investigation."