The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (April 12) announced that two Mainland fishermen who engaged in illegal fishing in waters earlier on near Black Point, Tuen Mun, have been convicted and sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment.
  
     The court heard that AFCD officers intercepted a Mainland fishing vessel at about noon on March 25 for investigation. The vessel was suspected to be carrying out illegal fishing in the above-mentioned waters. Some fishing gear (including winches and long cages) and catch were seized on board.
  
     Charges were laid against the Mainland fishermen for violating the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171) (the Ordinance). They pleaded guilty at Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts today and were sentenced to four weeks' imprisonment with the fishing gear confiscated.

     An AFCD spokesman noted that only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters. Regardless of the type of fishing gear used, a non-local fishing vessel is not allowed to carry out fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. Any offender is liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and imprisonment for six months.
  
     The spokesman said, "The Government is committed to cracking down on illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and stringently enforce the law." 

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Nanyang Commercial Bank, Limited relating to a suspicious website and phishing instant messages, which has been reported to the HKMA.  A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     As at 9am today (April 12), eight COVID-19 confirmed patients were discharged from hospital in the last 24 hours. So far, a total of 11 214 patients with confirmed or probable infection have been discharged.
 
     At present, there are 658 negative pressure rooms in public hospitals with 1 214 negative pressure beds activated. A total of 130 confirmed patients are currently hospitalised in 21 public hospitals and the North Lantau Hospital Hong Kong Infection Control Centre, among which seven patients are in critical condition, three are in serious condition and the remaining 120 patients are in stable condition.
 
     The Hospital Authority will maintain close contact with the Centre for Health Protection to monitor the latest developments and to inform the public and healthcare workers on the latest information in a timely manner.
 
     Details of the above-mentioned patients are as follows:
 

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by OCBC Wing Hang Bank Limited relating to a fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     The meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Bills Committee on Public Offices (Candidacy and Taking Up Offices) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2021 originally scheduled for tomorrow (April 13) at 8.30am will be rescheduled to Thursday (April 15) at 12.15pm in Conference Room 3 of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, members of the Bills Committee will meet with the Administration.