Caring and Sharing Scheme

     In response to media enquiries, a Government spokesman said today (April 4) that the Working Family Allowance Office (WFAO) of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (WFSFAA) has received 2.6 million applications under the Caring and Sharing Scheme and issued 1.5 million acknowledgements as of April 3. The WFAO will issue the remaining acknowledgements as soon as possible. Its target is to issue acknowledgements to applications received in February and March by the end of April, and to all those received within the application deadline of the scheme (i.e. April 30) no later than the third week of May.

     "Applicants who receive no acknowledgement by the end of May should make enquiries with the WFSFAA on or before June 30 by calling the hotline at 3897 1088 or emailing careandshare@wfsfaa.gov.hk," the spokesman said. 

     "Should the WFAO confirm that their applications have not been received, they will be allowed to re-submit. Before then, applicants do not need to submit applications again," the spokesman added.

     The WFAO will start approving and disbursing payments from April 9, and aims to finish handling all cases by year end. 

     "Payments will be disbursed via autopay to successful applicants' local bank accounts under their sole names. The WFAO will send cash cheques (namely uncrossed order cheques) to successful applicants with no local bank accounts under their sole names by a special delivery service through Hongkong Post," the spokesman said. "The letters and the first three digits of the payee's Hong Kong identity card number will be printed on the cash cheque to facilitate checking of the identity of the payee by the bank when the cheque is encashed."

     Successful applicants who fail to receive the mail upon delivery may bring along the WFAO notification card left by the delivery staff to collect the mail at a designated post office within a specified period of 14 working days. They may, when necessary, visit Hongkong Post's website or dial the hotline set out in the notification card to change the post office for collection, but they are still required to collect the mail within the original specified period of 14 working days.

     In case the applicant has not collected the cheque after the specified period, the WFAO will contact the applicant by phone to make arrangements for the cheque to be collected at a post office selected by the applicant, or at the WFAO's Caring and Sharing Scheme Office on 16/F, Pioneer Centre, 750 Nathan Road, Kowloon.

     If the applicant has no correspondence address, the WFAO will contact the applicant according to the information provided in the application form to arrange collection of the cheque at a post office selected by the applicant, or at the WFAO's Caring and Sharing Scheme Office. If an applicant cannot receive payment because of his or her physical or mental condition, his or her legal guardian, appointee or agent (i.e. a relative) may receive the payment for the benefit of him or her. The WFAO will arrange payment to be disbursed according to the information provided by the applicant or his or her legal guardian, appointee or agent.




Special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements on April 5 and 6 to facilitate two public order events to be held on Hong Kong Island.

(1)

     Westbound Queensway will be intermittently closed from 1.45pm on April 5 until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal.

(2)
     
     The following roads will be intermittently closed from 11.45am on April 6 until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:

– Southbound Ventris Road;
– Northbound Blue Pool Road;
– Sing Woo Road;
– Westbound Wong Nai Chung Road;
– Westbound Mui Hing Street;
– Northbound Chun Shing Street;
– Eastbound Kwai Fong Street;
– Westbound Village Road;
– Northbound Shan Kwong Road;
– Eastbound Yuk Sau Street;
– Tsap Tseung Street;
– Westbound King Kwong Street;
– Eastbound Yik Yam Street; and
– Eastbound Tsoi Tak Street.

     Vehicles may not be permitted to access or leave car parks along the routes during the road closure period.

     Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.




Public urged not to buy or consume slimming products with undeclared controlled ingredient (with photo)

     The Department of Health (DH) today (April 4) appealed to the public not to buy or consume two slimming products named Leg Step and Bello Smaze as they were found to contain an undeclared and controlled drug ingredient that might be dangerous to health.
      ​ 
     Following a public complaint, samples of the above slimming products were purchased via a social media platform for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the samples of both products contain sibutramine, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138).
  ​   
     The DH's investigation is continuing.
    ​    
     Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of increased cardiovascular risk.         
      ​    
     According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Part 1 poisons can only be sold at a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Illegal sale or possession of Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
     ​    
     The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format HK-XXXXX. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
     ​    
     Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control.
 
     The public may visit the Drug Office's pages for health messages on weight control and slimming products and information on slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients.
 
     People who have purchased the above products should stop taking them immediately. They can also submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, during office hours for disposal.

Photo  Photo  Photo  Photo  



HKMA 2019 Pay Review

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (April 4) the results of the 2019 annual pay review. The review was undertaken by the Governance Sub-Committee (GSC) of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee (EFAC).
 
     On the advice of the GSC, the Financial Secretary has approved that the Fixed Pay of HKMA staff will be adjusted upward by a general increase of 2.65 per cent, whereas an allocation of 1.35 per cent of Fixed Pay is set aside for awarding good performers. Variable Pay equivalent to 20.12 per cent of Total Pay will also be paid to staff on the basis of their performance in 2018. Variable Pay is a one-off payment to staff who have attained or exceeded the required level of performance.
 
     The Financial Secretary determines the pay adjustment of HKMA staff each year in the light of recommendations made to him by the GSC through EFAC, taking into account the GSC's assessment of the performance of the HKMA in the preceding year, the pay-survey findings of the financial sector conducted by independent human resources consultants and any other relevant factors.




Special traffic arrangements for Ching Ming Festival

     Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts to facilitate grave sweepers, and to ensure smooth vehicular traffic movements and pedestrian safety during Ching Ming Festival.

Hong Kong Island
—————-

(1) Chai Wan

A. Road closure

Phase I

     Vehicles will be allowed to use Cape Collison Road east of Lin Shing Road from 7am to 6pm daily on April 13, 19, 20, 22 and 28, and May 1. Special traffic arrangements in Phase II may be implemented when necessary.

Phase II

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 6.30pm daily on April 6, 14 and 21:

– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery;
– Wan Tsui Lane;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for green minibus (GMB) route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Southbound Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M, 16X and 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit, and vehicles heading to Wan Tsui Estate; – Northbound Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit; and
– If necessary, the leftmost lane of northbound Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Fei Tsui Road.

     Depending on traffic condition, taxis and public light buses (PLBs) may be allowed to enter Lin Shing Road and turn right to Cape Collinson Road.

     Special traffic arrangements in Phase III may be implemented when necessary.

Phase III

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 7pm daily on April 5 and 7:

– The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery;
– Wan Tsui Lane;
– Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
– Southbound Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles, vehicles with permit, and vehicles heading to Wan Tsui Estate; and
– If necessary, the leftmost lane of northbound Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Fei Tsui Road.

B. Traffic diversions
     
     In connection with the above road closures, the following roads will be re-routed:

– Cape Collinson Road between its slip road to Crematorium and Shek O Road will be re-routed one-way westbound; and
– Eastern section of Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Fei Tsui Road will be re-routed one-way westbound.

C. No parking
     
     No parking will be permitted along the following roads:

– Cape Collinson Road;
– Lin Shing Road;
– Shek O Road between Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre and Tai Tam Road;
– Wan Tsui Road;
– The lay-by along Shek O Road; and
– The lay-by along Tai Tam Road between Shek O Road and Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir.

     Taxis, PLBs and private cars cannot enter Lin Shing Road for Cape Collinson Road, except for vehicles gaining access to Wan Tsui Estate. They will be allowed to drop off passengers at the PLB stand on Fei Tsui Road near the junction with Wan Tsui Road.

     PLBs cannot pick up/set down passengers along Wan Tsui Road between Chai Wan Road and Lin Shing Road.

     Depending on traffic conditions, PLBs may not be allowed to enter Tai Tam Road from Chai Wan Road.

(2) Pok Fu Lam
     
     Consort Rise between Victoria Road and Bisney Road will be re-routed one-way southbound from 7am to 5pm daily on April 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14.

(3) Aberdeen

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 6pm daily on April 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14:

– Peel Rise in the vicinity of the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery; and
– the slip road from Shek Pai Wan Road leading to the Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery.

Kowloon
——-

(1) Tseung Kwan O
     
     The access road leading to Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery will be closed from 5.30am to 6pm daily on April 6, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28, and May 1, except for special route No. 14S of Kowloon Motor Bus Company, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit.

     The above road will be closed from 5.30am to 8pm daily on April 5 and 7.

     Grave-sweepers can go to the cemetery on foot via the access road on Ko Chiu Road or via the footpath with staircases opposite MTR Tiu Keng Leng Station. Those using wheel chairs are advised to enter the cemetery at Ko Chiu Road.

(2) Sai Kung

     Mang Kung Wo Road leading to Kei Pik Shan Cemetery will be closed from 8am to 5pm daily on April 5 and 6, except for vehicles with permit.

(3) Diamond Hill

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 6pm daily on April 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14:

A. Road closure

– The access road leading to the Diamond Hill Crematorium, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The access road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and the China Light and Power (CLP) Sub-station, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– The access road adjacent to the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour leading to Sze Chen Hall, except for hearses and funeral vehicles;
– Yuk Hok Lane, except for private cars and taxis; and
– Yuk Wah Street east of Tsz Wan Shan Road, except for private cars and taxis.

     Motorcycles will be allowed to use Yuk Hok Lane and Yuk Wah Street east of Tsz Wan Shan Road on April 13 and 14.

B. Traffic diversions

– Vehicles must follow southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill for entering or leaving Fung Shing Street or Fu Shan Estate car park;
– Vehicles must follow northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill for entering or leaving Grand View Garden car park;
– Vehicles from eastbound Po Kong Village Road can turn to westbound Yuk Wah Street via the easternmost traffic lane of Tsz Wan Shan (South) Bus Terminus;
– Traffic along westbound Fung Shing Street cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to eastbound Fung Shing Street;
– Vehicles from Grand View Garden car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Grand View Garden car park;
– Vehicles from Fu Shan Estate car park cannot turn right to northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill;
– Traffic along northbound Po Kong Village Road uphill cannot turn right to Fu Shan Estate car park;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to Po Kong Village Road School Village car park;
– Vehicles from Po Kong Village Road School Village car park cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Traffic along southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill cannot turn right to the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane;
– Traffic along the unnamed road opposite to Po Leung Lane cannot turn right to southbound Po Kong Village Road downhill;
– Vehicles from Tsz Wan Shan (South) Bus Terminus cannot turn right to eastbound Yuk Wah Street, except franchised buses; and
– Traffic along Yuk Wah Crescent cannot turn right to eastbound Yuk Wah Street.

C. Suspension of parking spaces
     
     Parking spaces at the following locations will be suspended:
     
– Metered parking spaces on the unnamed road between the Diamond Hill Funeral Parlour and CLP Sub-station; and
– Five metered parking spaces in Yuk Wah Street car park.

     Motorcycle parking spaces at Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane will be suspended from 7am to 6pm daily on April 5, 6 and 7.

     Po Kong Village Road School Village car park will be closed and designated as taxi and private car drop-off point from 7am to 6pm daily on April 5 and 7.
     
D. Passengers pick-up and drop-off points

     The pick-up and drop-off points for taxis will be at westbound Fung Shing Street near Fu Yan House of Fu Shan Estate and westbound Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane.

     The pick-up and drop-off point for private cars will be at westbound Yuk Wah Street near Yuk Hok Lane.

(4) Cheung Sha Wan

A. Road closure

– Wing Ming Lane will be closed between 7am and 7pm daily on April 5, 6 and 7, except for vehicles with permit;  
– Wing Ming Street will be closed between 7am and 7pm daily on April 5, 6 and 7, except for vehicles with permit; and
– Entrance road to the catholic cemetery on Wing Tak Road will be closed between 7am and 5pm daily on April 5, 6 and 7, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit.

B. No stopping or parking
     
     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented on April 5, 6, and 7:

– Parking will be prohibited on Yu Chau West Street between Castle Peak Road and King Lam Street between 7am and 7pm daily;
– Vehicles are prohibited to drop off or pick up passengers along Yu Chau West Street near Wing Ming Street; and
– Stopping or parking will be prohibited on Ching Cheung Road between 7am and 7pm daily.

C. Suspension of on-street parking spaces

     All parking spaces on Yu Chau West Street; Tai Nan West Street; and King Lam Street and Wing Hong Street between Yu Chau West Street and Tai Nan West Street will be suspended between 7am and 7pm daily on April 5, 6 and 7.  

     Members of the public wishing to gain access to the catholic cemetery are advised to use the subway across Ching Cheung Road from the end of Wing Ming Lane. No parking facilities in the cemetery will be open to public use.
     
New Territories
—————

(1) Wo Hop Shek
     
     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented daily on April 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 22:

A. Road closure (daily from 6am to 5pm)

– Kiu Tau Road, except for hearses;
– Ming Yin Road, except for franchised buses;
– Wo Ka Lau Road; and
– All access roads within Wo Hop Shek Cemetery.

B. Traffic diversions

– Traffic along northbound Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon cannot turn right to southbound Pak Wo Road; and
– Traffic along southbound Pak Wo Road near MTR Fanling Station cannot turn right to the car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon.

C. Suspension of parking spaces (daily from 7am to 5pm)

– The car park on Wo Hing Road near Ming Yin Road roundabout,  except for taxis;
– The car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon, except for the disabled parking spaces and public buses of the residents’ service route NR112. Depending on prevailing situation, vehicles carrying elderly and disabled passengers may be allowed to use the car park for interchange with shuttle buses heading for the Wo Hop Shek cemetery; and
– Parking spaces on Wah Ming Lane.

(2) Sandy Ridge

     The Frontier Closed Area from Lo Wu Station to Lo Wu Station Road will be open to grave-sweepers between 6am and 6pm daily until April 28.

     The following roads will be closed between 6am and 6pm daily on April 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 22:
     
– Lo Wu Station Road from its junction with Man Kam To Road to a point of about 280 metres west of the same junction, near the cemetery management office, except for vehicles of Lo Wu Village residents and vehicles that are allowed to park at the car park of MTR Lo Wu Station; and
– Sha Ling Road, except for vehicles of Sha Ling residents.

(3) Lau Fau Shan

     The following special traffic arrangements will be implemented from 8.45am to 4pm on April 5:

– Traffic along Deep Bay Road from Sha Kiu Tsuen and Mong Tseng Tsuen towards Lau Fau Shan upon reaching Mong Tseng San Road must turn left to Mong Tseng San Road towards Tin Ying Road, except GMB route 35;
– Deep Bay Road between Mong Tseng San Road and the entrance of Wan Fau Sin Koon will be re-routed to one-way eastbound;
– Mong Tseng San Road will be re-routed to one-way southbound; and
– Traffic along Tin Ying Road cannot enter the slip road heading for Mong Tseng San Road.

(4) Tuen Mun

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented daily from 7am to 7pm on April 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 22:

A. Intermittent road closure

– Tsing San Path; and
– The access roads leading to Ching Chung Koon and Ching Chung Sin Yuen.

B. Traffic diversions

– Tsing Chung Koon Road between Tsing Lun Road and San Fuk Road will be re-routed one-way northbound; and
– San Fuk Road between Leung Shun Street and Tsing Chun Koon Road will be re-routed one-way westbound.

C. Passengers pick-up and drop-off points

     Three temporary pick up and drop off points will be set up at northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Castle Peak Hospital, northbound Tsing Chung Koon Road opposite to Tuen Mun Hospital, and westbound Tsing Lun Road outside Tuen Mun Hospital.
     
(5) Kwai Tsing

     Wing Yin Street and Wing Hau Street will be closed from 7am to 5pm daily on April 6, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22, except for hearses and franchised buses. 

     The following traffic arrangements will be implemented from 7am to 5pm daily on April 5, 7, and 14:
     
– Southbound Wing Tak Street between the entrance of City Point and Wing Shun Street, Wing Yin Street, and Wing Shun Street between Wing Tak Street and Kwai Hei Street will be closed, except for hearses, franchised buses, GMBs and taxis;
– Wing Chong Street, Wing Hau Street and Wing Lap Street will be closed; and
– Wing Kei Road between Kwai Hei Street and Wing Kin Road will be re-routed one-way southbound. Vehicles must travel via Wing Kin Road for Wing Kei Road.

(6) Sha Tin

     The following roads will be closed between 7am and 6pm daily on April 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 22:

– Lower Shing Mun Road between Yau On Street and Fu Shan Crematorium, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and GMB route 64K; and
– Pai Tau Street west of its junction with Sheung Wo Che Road.

(7) To Fung Shan

     To Fung Shan Road north of its junction with Pak Lok Path will be closed between 9am and 5pm daily on April 5, 6 and 7, except for vehicles serving residents and people working in To Fung Shan.

(8) Tsuen Wan

     Lo Wai Road between Lo Wai Pai Lau and Yuen Yuen Institute will be closed from 8am to 5pm daily on April 5, 6, and 7, except for franchised buses, taxis, GMBs and vehicles with permit.

     During the road closure period, all metered parking spaces on Lo Wai Road near Yi Pei Chun Road, Lo Wai old bus terminus and outside Yuen Yuen Institute will be suspended.

     Any vehicles found illegally parked within the precinct of the above areas may be towed away without prior notice.

     Actual implementation of the traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Motorists are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.