With the implementation of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the Department of Health (DH) is closely monitoring the potential adverse events after COVID-19 vaccinations by enhancing the existing passive surveillance and conductin… read more
A woman who sold surgical masks online was convicted today (February 26) at Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts for engaging in wrongly accepting payment, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). She was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.
Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that a woman had engaged in unfair trade practices in the sale of surgical masks online. After investigation, it was found that the woman claimed that surgical masks could be offered for sale on a social media platform. Later, she offered to sell 400 boxes of surgical masks of a designated brand at $120 per box to a consumer through an instant messaging application. However, only 7 800 items of loose-packed masks of various brands were supplied, none of which were from the designated brand. Investigation revealed that the woman involved in the case had intended to supply a product that was materially different from the masks of the designated brand at the time when payment was accepted.
Customs welcomes the sentence as the custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect, and will continue to combat unfair trade practices with a view to protecting consumer interests. Customs also reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure products at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence if at the time of acceptance of payment the trader intends not to supply the product or intends to supply a materially different product, or there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the trader will be able to supply the product within a specified or reasonable period. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk). read more
An employer was fined $30,000 at Shatin Magistrates’ Courts today (February 26) for violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. The prosecution was launched by the Labour Department.
The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on February 10, 2019, on a village road in Nam Wa Po, Tai Po. While a lorry mounted with an elevating work platform was travelling along the village road for street lamp cleaning work, its work platform was kept in a raised position. The raised work platform struck nearby overhead cables and was deformed. A worker who stayed on the raised work platform was trapped by the deformed work platform. He sustained a serious head injury and died the same day. read more
Erection of the prefabricated double-arch steel bridge for the Cross Bay Link, Tseung Kwan O, which is also the largest component of the bridge, was completed today (February 26).
A spokesman for the Civil Engineering and Development Department said, “As the double-arch steel bridge weighs over 10,000 tonnes, the project team adopted the ‘float-over method’ and took into account the tidal conditions for its erection. The entire process lasted about five hours, commencing from 7am until close to noon. This is the first time the ‘float-over method’ has been applied for bridge construction in Hong Kong. The project team has conducted a meticulous analysis of every step to ensure smooth execution of the erection process.”
Since arriving in Hong Kong on February 16, the semi-submersible barge loaded with the double-arch steel bridge has been moored at the Junk Bay temporary anchorage area in preparation for installation. On February 24, the barge moved to a position 30 metres from the bridge piers for final preparatory work.
At about 7am today, the barge moved in between the bridge piers during the high tide window. After precise positioning of the double-arch steel bridge, the barge pumped in 27,000 cubic metres of seawater for ballast, correspondingly lowering the barge by 1m for the double-arch steel bridge to touch down onto the piers. Successful completion of the erection process marks a key milestone for the Cross Bay Link project.
The about 1.8 kilometre Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O, comprising a marine viaduct of 1km in length, is scheduled for completion in 2022. For more information about the Cross Bay Link, Tseung Kwan O, please visit the project website (www.cbltko.hk).
Hongkong Post today (February 26) announced the suspension of Speedpost services to Argentina and Colombia from tomorrow (February 27) until further notice, as air transport service providers cannot provide the required co… read more