Author Archives: hksar gov

     Two plastic recycling workshops in Yuen Long and Tuen Mun run by Hankang Recycling Limited and HK Bouteille Resources Recycling Business Company Limited respectively generated excessive noise and constantly emitted dark smoke, causing nuisance to residents nearby. The companies were convicted and fined a total of $11,000 at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on July 16 and today (July 23) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) and the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO).

     In view of a recent increase in the number of complaints about pollution caused by outdoor plastic recycling workshops in the New Territories, and the issues about the poor operation of some plastic recycling workshops, their lack of environmental protection equipment and improper maintenance of their machinery, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) enhanced law enforcement and inspections of such workshops. During an operation in January, EPD officers discovered that two plastic recycling workshops contravened regulations on pollution control. After collecting evidence, the EPD prosecuted the companies that operated the workshops. One workshop in Shan Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long, operated by Hankang Recycling Limited generated noise that exceeded statutory limits due to the lack of noise insulation equipment, contravening the NCO. On the other hand, the workshop in Lam Tei, Tuen Mun, run by HK Bouteille Resources Recycling Business Company Limited constantly emitted dark smoke from a chimney due to the poor operation of its diesel generator, contravening the Air Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations. In addition to the above cases, two cases of the same nature involving plastic recycling workshops are being processed in court. Moreover, the EPD has issued abatement notices to nine other plastic recycling workshops, requesting them to reduce noise and gas emissions before statutory deadlines. The EPD will continue to follow up on these cases and initiate prosecutions against offenders.

     A spokesman for the EPD reminded operators of plastic recycling workshops that they must properly design their workshops, and install suitable and effective noise and air pollution control equipment to reduce noise and air pollutant emissions. They must also arrange for experienced technicians to carry out regular inspections and maintenance for their equipment. In addition to holding briefings in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Recycling Fund on guidance about the recycling of plastics, the EPD has produced a leaflet (attachment in Chinese only) to explain to members of the plastic recycling sector the related matters of environmental protection and the department’s continuous enforcement to curb illegal activities.

     According to the NCO, anyone failing to comply with any requirement of an abatement notice commits an offence. First-time offenders may be liable to a fine of $100,000. A fine of $200,000 may be imposed on second or subsequent conviction. Under the Air Pollution Control (Smoke) Regulations, offenders may be liable to a fine of $20,000 on first conviction, and a fine of $20,000 and three months’ imprisonment on second or subsequent conviction. read more

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 is 105.2 (up 0.1 against yesterday’s index). read more

     The Government announced today (July 23) the appointment of two new young members to the Museum Advisory Committee (MAC) and its standing sub-committees through the Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth from today un… read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      Exchange Fund Bills tender results:   Tender date : July 23, 2019 Paper on offer : EF Bills … read more

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung, at a media session after attending the launch ceremony of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Membership Hospitality Academy today (July 23):
 
Reporter: Secretary, given the unsettling images out of Yuen Long, and that so many people are troubled by it, does the Education Bureau have any support and guidelines issued especially for schools in those areas, where we saw schools and shops in Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long close early yesterday? And can you also give – aside from the safety, on their emotional support, and also we saw teachers being arrested or they are criticised for posting messages or for some of their behaviours. Will the Education Bureau carry out any disciplinary action on those teachers?
 
Secretary for Education: I think the situation in Hong Kong – well, we all know what is happening now in Hong Kong. I take this opportunity to appeal to all of us citizens of Hong Kong that we should abide by the law. We are confident that the Police are able to maintain law and order in Hong Kong. At present, basically all schools are on their summer holidays. There are a number of summer activities organised by the schools for the students. I think these are quite flexible in nature. So I think the schools could decide how and where to organise these activities for their students, and we, the EDB (Education Bureau) would be happy to offer advice and assistance to the schools if needed. Regarding your question on teachers’ performance, I think, we, as a society, have very high expectations of our teachers and are hoping that our teachers will also abide by their professional conduct and professional requirements when they are teaching at schools. On individual cases, we have to look at the facts and we have to look at the final investigations by, for example, the law enforcement agents, and see whether any actions need to be taken by the schools or the EDB according to the established procedures.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) read more