The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: As at noon today (June 3), one COVID-19 confirmed patient (case number: 1067) was discharged from hospital in the past 24 hours. So far, a total of 1 039 patients … read more
The Government today (June 3) signed service level agreements with representatives of 21 banks for the Cash Payout Scheme. The agreements were signed by the Director of Accounting Services, Mr Charlix Wong, on behalf of the Government. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Mr Eddie Yue, witnessed the signing ceremony.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said, “I wish to thank all the participating banks for helping the Government implement the scheme, making it possible for eligible people to register and receive the $10,000 payout quickly, conveniently and safely. I would also like to thank the HKMA for its assistance in the process.”
The 21 banks that entered into agreement with the Government (see list below) will provide the electronic registration platform for the Cash Payout Scheme. To receive the payment with their sole-name bank account, eligible people may register through the relevant bank’s website or Internet banking service, which is the fastest way to receive payment. They may also submit a paper registration form to the respective bank.
Mr Chan noted that preparation for the scheme has reached the final stage. It is expected that registration would start in the end of June, with payment starting to be made in July.
The Financial Secretary announced in the 2020-21 Budget that a sum of $10,000 would be disbursed to each Hong Kong permanent resident aged 18 or above, with a view to encouraging local consumption and relieving people’s financial burden. The Government will announce the registration and payment methods and other details as soon as possible.
The list of the 21 banks participating in the Cash Payout Scheme (in alphabetical order) is as follows:
1. Bank of China (Hong Kong)
2. Bank of Communications (Hong Kong)
3. Bank of East Asia
4. China CITIC Bank International
5. China Construction Bank (Asia)
6. Chiyu Banking Corporation
7. Chong Hing Bank
8. Citibank (Hong Kong)
9. CMB Wing Lung Bank
10. Dah Sing Bank
11. DBS Bank (Hong Kong)
12. Fubon Bank
13. Hang Seng Bank
14. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
15. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia)
16. Nanyang Commercial Bank
17. OCBC Wing Hang Bank
18. Public Bank (Hong Kong)
19. Shanghai Commercial Bank
20. Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong)
21. ZA Bank read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has announced that as of 4pm today (June 3), no new local confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had been recorded, and that the number of cases in H… read more
A traveller who smuggled saiga antelope horns was convicted for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, and was sentenced to imprisonment today (June 3).
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that a 50-year-old male traveller arrived in Hong Kong on November 29, 2019, from Moscow. A total of 224 saiga antelope horns were found in his baggage by Customs officers.
Subsequent to follow-up investigation, the AFCD charged the man with the illegal import of a listed species in Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). He was convicted at the District Court. With 30 months’ imprisonment as the starting point for sentencing, the defendant was sentenced to 20 months behind bars today after a one-third reduction as he pleaded guilty.
Saiga antelopes are listed in Appendix II to the CITES and regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years. The specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction.
To enquire about the control of endangered species or to report suspected irregularities, the public can call the AFCD on 1823 or visit www.cites.hk.
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 (LCSD) announced today (June 3) that the red flag has been lowered at Golden Beach in Tuen Mun District, following the discovery of a large fish yesterday.
An LCSD spokesman said the department’s shark prevention net maintenance contractor has completed inspection of the shark prevention net at the beach, and confirmed that there was no big fish inside the enclosed zone of the net and the net was in good condition.
The spokesman appealed to swimmers to swim in the enclosed zones of the shark prevention nets while lifeguards are on duty for safety’s sake, adding that LCSD staff will remain vigilant and strengthen patrols in the swimming zones.
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