The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (May 27) released the latest maintenance cost information on lifts in private residential and commercial premises for public reference.

     The EMSD had earlier engaged an independent consultant to conduct a sampling survey on the maintenance costs of lifts in private residential and commercial buildings in Hong Kong. The consultant analysed the data collected from about 1 830 locations, and calculated the average monthly maintenance costs of the lifts as follows:

Private Residential Buildings

Private Commercial Buildings

     The cost information is available in the Responsible Persons' Corner on the EMSD's website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/lifts_and_escalators_safety/responsible_persons_corner/index.html). The EMSD will update it on a half-yearly basis.
          
     In choosing registered lift contractors, the responsible persons for lifts are advised to make reference to the materials published in the Responsible Persons' Corner in addition to the price factor. The materials include:

* performance ratings of registered contractors;
* sample contracts for procurement of lift maintenance services;
* a guidebook for persons responsible for lifts;
* guidelines for selection of registered contractors for provision of maintenance services;
* guidelines for modernisation of existing lifts;
* guidelines for management of lift maintenance works;
* a checklist for building management staff to conduct daily safety inspection of lifts; and
* common questions and answers on lift management.

Note 1: The above price figures were updated on March 31, 2019, whereas the previous price figures were updated six months ago on September 30, 2018.

Note 2: As there are very few lifts with travel of more than 35 levels, the surveyed price obtained through sampling of lifts in this group is prone to higher fluctuation.

     A vegetable chain stall operated by Bonnie Vegetables and Fruit Wholesale Limited in Wan Chai was convicted and fined a total of $8,000 by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts today (May 27) for contravening the Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) by causing noise nuisance to nearby residents with loudspeakers constantly playing promotional recordings.

     A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that the department received complaints earlier this year about a vegetable chain stall on Wan Chai Road persistently and repeatedly playing loud promotional recordings with loudspeakers, causing great nuisance to nearby residents. Staff of the EPD confirmed that the noise from the vegetable stall was causing nuisance after an investigation and an on-site assessment. The department subsequently prosecuted the stall under the NCO.

     The EPD has all along been closely monitoring the situations brought about by chain stores playing loud promotional recordings with loudspeakers in various districts. In addition to initiating prosecutions against chain stores not complying with the law, the EPD will also prosecute the relevant company directors if there are stores committing repeated violations. The situation of the above-mentioned chain stall has already considerably improved following the enforcement action taken by the EPD.

     The spokesman reminded persons responsible for retail stores and market stalls that when they play promotional recordings to attract customers, they should contain the volume within their store area and should not cause a nuisance to people outside their stores or nearby residents. Otherwise, it constitutes an offence. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $10,000. For stores with repeated contraventions, their company directors will also be criminally liable for the offence once convicted.

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 27) the external merchandise trade statistics for April 2019. In April 2019, the values of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year decreases, at 2.6% and 5.5% respectively.

     In April 2019, the value of total exports of goods decreased by 2.6% over a year earlier to $321.5 billion, after a year-on-year decrease of 1.2% in March 2019. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods decreased by 5.5% over a year earlier to $356.6 billion in April 2019, after a year-on-year decrease of 0.1% in March 2019. A visible trade deficit of $35.1 billion, equivalent to 9.8% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in April 2019.

     For the first four months of 2019 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods dropped by 2.5% over the same period in 2018. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods decreased by 3.7%. A visible trade deficit of $154.0 billion, equivalent to 11.0% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first four months of 2019.

     Comparing the three-month period ending April 2019 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods decreased by 1.1%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods decreased by 0.3%.

Analysis by country/territory

     Comparing April 2019 with April 2018, total exports to Asia as a whole went down by 2.3%. In this region, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Taiwan (-24.4%), India (-15.3%), Japan (-12.5%) and Vietnam (-12.4%). The value of total exports to the mainland of China (the Mainland) also decreased by 1.3%. On the other hand, increases were recorded in the values of total exports to Singapore (+32.1%) and the Philippines (+28.3%).

     Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the USA (-17.0%) and Germany (-4.4%). Concurrently, an increase was registered in the value of total exports to the United Kingdom (+2.3%).

    Over the same period of comparison, decreases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Korea (-32.5%), India (-31.7%), Taiwan (-10.1%), Malaysia (-6.1%) and the USA (-6.0%). The value of imports from the Mainland also decreased by 1.6%. Concurrently, an increase was recorded in the value of imports from Thailand (+6.6%).

     For the first four months of 2019 as a whole, year-on-year decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular India (-25.6%), Taiwan (-14.9%), the USA (-11.0%), Japan (-5.5%) and the Mainland (-5.2%). However, year-on-year increases were registered in the values of total exports to Singapore (+21.3%) and the Netherlands (+11.2%).

     Over the same period of comparison, year-on-year decreases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular Korea (-25.9%), India (-18.7%), Taiwan (-15.2%), Thailand (-8.8%) and Malaysia (-7.6%). The value of imports from the Mainland also decreased by 0.7%. On the other hand, a year-on-year increase was registered in the value of imports from the USA (+2.5%).

Analysis by major commodity

     Comparing April 2019 with April 2018, decreases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $3.6 billion or -9.9%), "miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares)" (by $1.8 billion or -8.6%) and "textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products" (by $0.7 billion or -12.9%). However, an increase was registered in the value of total exports of "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $1.8 billion or 1.5%).

     Over the same period of comparison, decreases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $10.8 billion or -7.6%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $5.5 billion or -16.5%) and "non-metallic mineral manufactures" (by $2.4 billion or -14.6%). However, an increase was registered in the value of imports of "power generating machinery and equipment" (by $2.6 billion or 50.0%).

     For the first four months of 2019 as a whole, year-on-year decreases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $15.7 billion or -11.2%), "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $12.8 billion or -2.7%) and "miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares)" (by $3.5 billion or -4.7%).  However, a year-on-year increase was registered in the value of total exports of "telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment" (by $10.7 billion or 4.9%).

     Over the same period of comparison, year-on-year decreases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular "electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof" (by $41.8 billion or -7.7%), "office machines and automatic data processing machines" (by $12.2 billion or -9.8%) and "non-metallic mineral manufactures" (by $4.2 billion or -6.0%). However, a year-on-year increase was registered in the value of imports of "power generating machinery and equipment" (by $5.8 billion or 25.1%).

Commentary

     A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports registered a year-on-year decline of 2.6% in April, weighed down by the weaker performance of the global economy, US-Mainland trade tensions and various external headwinds. The weak export performance in recent months was likewise observed in many Asian economies.

     The near-term outlook for Hong Kong's exports is subject to a high level of uncertainty. It will hinge, to a large extent, on how US-Mainland trade tensions will evolve. The Government will remain vigilant.

Further information

     Table 1 at the annex presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for April 2019. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2016 to April 2019, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.

     The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for April 2019 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.

     Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for April 2019.

     All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for April 2019 will be released in mid-June 2019.

     The April 2019 issue of "Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade" contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong's external merchandise trade in April 2019 and will be available in mid-June 2019. Users can download the publication free of charge at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/hkstat/sub/sp230.jsp).

     Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 5042). 

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (May 27) that from June 3 to July 26, 2019, Hong Kong residents born in 1966 or 1967 should apply for a new smart identity card in person at a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre (SIDCC). The SIDCCs will be open from Mondays to Saturdays, from 8am to 10pm (except public holidays).
 
     The Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise covers all Hong Kong residents, who should apply for new smart identity cards in person at SIDCCs during their specified periods, whether they are permanent residents or non-permanent residents taking up employment, investment, residence or study in Hong Kong. Employers of foreign domestic helpers should also arrange for their helpers to apply for the new identity cards during the latter's specified periods.
 
     Eligible applicants may make appointment bookings via the Internet (www.gov.hk/newicbooking), the ImmD mobile application or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. To make appointment booking via the Internet or to download the mobile application, please scan the attached QR codes. The ImmD appeals to applicants to pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the Internet or the mobile application in order to enjoy faster service. Applicants need to bring along their existing smart identity cards when they proceed to the SIDCCs.
 
     For this replacement exercise, the ImmD is implementing a new caring arrangement under which eligible applicants may bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above to replace their smart identity cards together during the same visit.
 
     For Hong Kong residents born in 1968 or 1969, their specified period for identity card replacement will end on June 1, 2019. Those who have not applied for the new identity card should do so as early as possible in order to avoid a last-minute rush. If eligible Hong Kong residents are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period, they can apply within 30 days of their return to Hong Kong.
 
     For details of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the enquiry hotline 2824 6111.
 
Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres
 

     The Chinese Opera Festival will present performances in June by Experimental Theatre of Liyuan Opera of Fujian, one of the oldest theatrical genres in China with a history dating back more than 800 years.
 
     Liyuan opera originates in Quanzhou, Fujian and is sung in the Quanzhou dialect of the Minnan (southern Fujian) system.
 
     Experimental Theatre of Liyuan Opera of Fujian will showcase Liyuan opera in three streams, namely "shanglu", "xianan" and "xiaoliyuan". The shanglu stream consists of a large number of traditional libretti and scores from the nanxi (Southern opera) of the Song and Yuan period (960-1368), the content of which is largely inspired by stories of patriotism, filial piety, chastity and righteous spirits. The libretto of Zhu Maichen faithfully follows the incomplete edition of the original script, which was orally transmitted by actors of the older generations. In reviving the play, the troupe has made no additions or changes in a bid to retain as far as possible the original staging and plotline, re-presenting the folk culture through the use of ancient dialects and slang of southern Fujian in the lines and lyrics. The play has been described as an "invaluable gem" of great cultural and research value.
 
     In the xianan stream, the stories mostly come from folklore, such as "Singing the Beggar's Ditty" from "Li Yaxian", which is imbued with vivid and interesting details of everyday life.
 
     As for the xiaoliyuan stream, its stock repertory consists of many nanxi plays dating back to the early Ming period. This stream is distinguished by the delicate, insightful acting of artists performing the sheng (male) and dan (female) roles. "Lu Mengzheng" belongs to the nanxi of the Song and Yuan period. It is in the stock repertory of the 18 pengtou plays of the xiaoliyuan stream. Another xiaoliyuan repertory is "The Story of the Rabbit", which carries the alternative title of "Liu Zhiyuan", was one of the four major nanxi plays of the Song and Yuan period. Its ancient provenance makes it a rare legacy of the traditional genre of Liyuan opera. The upcoming shows are performed by a company cast led by Zeng Jingping, Representative Bearer of Liyuan opera as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage and two-time winner of the Plum Blossom Award for Chinese Theatre. They will re-enact the quaint charm of this theatrical genre.
 
     Performances are with Chinese and English surtitles. Details are as follows:

June 28 (Friday); 7.30pm
Excerpts: "To the Cave Dwelling Across the Bridge", "Cooking Gruel", "Checking Footprints on the Snow", "Leaving the Cave Dwelling" from "Lu Mengzheng" (remnant extant version)
 
June 29 (Saturday); 7.30pm
"Zhu Maichen" (remnant extant version)
 
June 30 (Sunday); 7.30pm
Excerpts: "Reunion by the Well", "Forcing His Father to Return Home", "Reunion at the Mill" from "The Story of the Rabbit" (remnant extant version) and "Singing the Beggar's Ditty" from "Li Yaxian"
 
     Performances will be staged at the Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $160, $260 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk) and the Xiqu Centre Ticket Office. For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.cof.gov.hk/2019/en/liyuan.html.
 
     Free admission talks will be held. Limited seats will be available for the talks on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are as follows:
 
Meet-the-artists Section: Introduction of performances from the Liyuan Opera Repertoire (in Putonghua)
June 27 (Thursday); 7.30pm
Venue: AC2, Level 4, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Speaker: Zeng Jingping
Moderator: Chan Chun-miu
 
Talk: On the Use of Dialects in "Zhu Maichen" and Their Meanings (in Putonghua)
June 29 (Saturday); 4pm
Venue: Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall
Speaker: Lin Fufu (seasoned artist of Liyuan opera)