The Government announced today (April 30) that the Chief Executive has appointed five new members and re-appointed nine incumbent members to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) for a term of two years with effect from May 20, 2021.

The newly appointed members are:

Ms Chan Lai-kwan
Ms Choi Yi-tak
Dr Theresa Cunanan
Ms Linda Tsang Chi-man
Miss Yim Chor-pik

The re-appointed members are:

Professor Cecilia Chan Lai-wan
Mr Vincent Cheng Wing-shun
Professor Andy Chiu Man-chung
Mr Mohan Datwani
Miss Maisy Ho Chiu-ha
Dr Henry Shie Wai-hung
Ms Anna Thompson
Dr Rizwan Ullah
Mr Gary Wong Chi-him
 
     "We are grateful for the contribution of all incumbent members to the work of the EOC in the past two years. They have displayed enthusiasm and commitment in assisting the promotion of equal opportunities. They have also provided valuable input to the various areas of work of the EOC," said the Government spokesperson.
 
     "The membership of the EOC continues to represent a balanced mix of expertise and sectors, including women; persons with disabilities; ethnic minorities; members from the employment, social services, legal, accounting, academic and education sectors; and the community at large. Their experience and expertise will be instrumental to the work of the EOC in promoting equal opportunities.
 
     "We would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor Susanne Choi Yuk-ping, Ms Elizabeth Law, Ms Juan Leung Chung-yan, Ms Shirley Marie Therese Loo and Miss Yu Chui-yee, who will be stepping down from the EOC after six years of service. We are grateful for their staunch support for the work of the Commission.
 
     "We look forward to the continuous concerted efforts of the Chairperson of the EOC and all its members in implementing the existing anti-discrimination ordinances and constructing a pluralistic and inclusive society in Hong Kong," the spokesperson added.

     The Lifts and Escalators Ordinance Disciplinary Board has completed hearings for two charges of disciplinary offences brought against Eugene Engineering Company Limited and decided that all the charges are established and the company should be disciplined.
      
     The two disciplinary charges against Eugene are convictions in court for improper lift maintenance at Paris Court, Sheung Shui Town Centre, and failure to notify the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS) of subcontracting of lift maintenance works, contravening the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance. The Board ordered that Eugene be fined $85,000 in total as well as pay the expenses incurred in the proceedings of around $110,000. The Board's decision and orders were gazetted today (April 30). Details are available on the website (www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20212517/egn202125172443.pdf).

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) welcomes the Board's decision and will continue to strictly enforce the Ordinance to ensure the safety and reliability of lift and escalator services, with a view to safeguarding public safety.
      
     On May 11, 2018, an unintended car movement incident happened at Lift No. 5 of Paris Court, Sheung Shui Town Centre, causing the death of a woman aged 64. The EMSD conducted a criminal investigation on the incident and found that Eugene, being the registered lift contractor that undertook maintenance of the lift concerned, had failed to ensure proper periodic maintenance of the lift and to notify the DEMS before subcontracting of lift maintenance works. The EMSD therefore instituted prosecution for Eugene's contravention of the Ordinance. Eugene was convicted by the court on February 22, 2019.

     Having considered the convictions of Eugene in court, and the death of a passenger resulting from the incident, the DEMS, pursuant to Section 109(1) of the Ordinance, referred the disciplinary offences concerned to the Board for disciplinary proceedings.

     The Transport Department (TD) today (April 30) announced that the 44th invitation exercise of the Personalised Vehicle Registration Marks (PVRMs) Scheme will be launched tomorrow (May 1).
 
     "Starting from tomorrow, applications are invited under the 44th invitation exercise for the allocation of PVRMs upon sale by auction. Completed application forms should reach the department no later than May 31. If there are more than 1 500 applications, those to be considered will be selected by lot," a TD spokesman said.
 
     The application form (TD 569) and the Guidance Notes for Application can be downloaded from the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or obtained from the TD's Licensing Offices as well as the Public Enquiry Service Centres of the Home Affairs Department.
 
     Interested persons should complete and submit the application form through one of the following ways:
 
(a) By post to the Vehicle Registration Marks Unit, Transport Department, 12/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon. Applications received by post will be dated by the postmark;  
 
(b) Via the drop-in box at any of the TD's Licensing Offices at Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong and Sha Tin. For easy identification, please mark "PVRM Application" on the envelope of the application. Applicants are advised to visit the TD's website for the latest service arrangements of the Licensing Offices; or
 
(c) Through the online application service at the GovHK website (www.gov.hk/en/residents/transport/vehicle/ospvrm.htm) if the applicant possesses an "iAM Smart" account with the digital signing function (for Hong Kong residents only) or a digital certificate.
 
     Applicants are advised to read carefully the Guidance Notes for details of the scheme before completing the application form. They can also check whether a proposed PVRM is in compliance with the basic combination requirements by using the online service at the GovHK website.
 
     No payment of deposit is required when submitting an application. Each applicant can submit only one application in each exercise. If an applicant submits more than one application, all of his or her applications will not be processed. Once submitted, the applicant cannot withdraw the application or change the arrangement of the PVRM stated in the application form.
 
     An acknowledgement will immediately be sent to the applicant upon successful submission of an online application. Those who submit applications by application form will receive the TD's acknowledgement by ordinary post within two weeks after submission. Applicants who do not receive the acknowledgement within this time frame should call the TD hotline at 2804 2600.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the service demand surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate 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 (April 30) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Shek O Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.