The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, December 20, 2018 is 105.3 (same as yesterday's index).

     To encourage the reduction and recycling of yard waste, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) called on members of the public and commercial and industrial (C&I) organisations to deliver natural Christmas trees (NCTs) intended for disposal to designated collection points for recycling. The EPD's contractor will process the collected NCTs and recycle them into composting materials to conserve resources and reduce waste.

     From 9am to 6pm from January 4 to 7, 2019, members of the public can deliver household NCTs to the EcoPark in Tuen Mun or seven Community Green Stations (CGSs) for recycling, while C&I organisations should deliver NCTs to the EcoPark directly. Members of the public are advised to call the respective collection points in advance before delivering the NCTs to ensure that the trees are suitable for recycling. The addresses and telephone numbers of each collection point and the enquiry hotline of the recycling service are as follows:
 

Enquiry hotline: 9706 6549 / Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm
(January 4-7, 2019  8am to 8pm)

     An EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that this recycling service is limited to NCTs and they should remove all lighting, decorations and bunting before delivering the NCTs to the collection points to facilitate subsequent recycling processes. They are also encouraged to replant small potted plants such as poinsettia, and keep artificial Christmas trees and other festival decorations for reuse to help reduce waste.

     All participants and C&I organisations involved in the recycling service will receive an e-certificate. Members of the public will also receive a gift upon delivery of NCTs to CGSs while stock lasts.

     The EPD also welcomes other organisations and associations to provide recycling services for NCTs to help the public and the C&I organisations to participate and enhance waste reduction for all.

     The Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra (HKYSO) of the Music Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will hold its 40th Anniversary Concert at 8pm on January 20 (Sunday) next year at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall.

     The conductors will be Chief Music Officer of the Music Office James Leung, instructors Lee Sing-wan and Dr Joseph Kam. In addition to performing the world premiere of prolific Hong Kong composer Mui Kwong-chiu's "The Heroes" with guest erhuist Shao Lin, the HKYSO will collaborate with local renowned musicians Yiu Song-lam (oboe), Choy Kwok-tin (clarinet), James Leung (bassoon) and Kenny Chen (horn) in performing Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds in E flat, K.297b".

     The repertoire will also include Shostakovich's "Festive Overture, Op. 96" to showcase the fantastic tone colour of brass instruments and Mahler's "Symphony No.1, Finale".

     Since its establishment in 1978, the HKYSO's membership has grown to about 110, with ages ranging from 12 to 25. Over the years, it has groomed many eminent local performers and music educators. The HKYSO has also played the role of music ambassador for Hong Kong and has participated in concert tours to France, Israel, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Singapore and the Mainland.

     Tickets priced at $55, $75 and $95 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2796 7523 or 2796 1003 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/musicoffice.

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (December 20) that 26 Lunar New Year (LNY) fair stalls which were not taken at auctions held earlier would be available to the public for renting at their upset prices from December 27 to January 10, 2019 on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
     The LNY fairs will be held from January 30 to February 5, 2019. Locations and prices of these 26 stalls (22 dry goods stalls and four wet goods stalls) are as follows:
 

 
     The number of remaining stalls may be subject to change and the actual number of stalls available for renting will be released on December 27, 2018.
      
     People who are interested in renting a stall should approach the following FEHD offices, as appropriate, to apply in person from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm during the abovementioned renting period:
 

 
    Applicants must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong. Each applicant may select only one stall at a time. Successful applicants shall comply with all the stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement. An FEHD spokesman stressed that the public should not assign, sublet, transfer or otherwise part with any of the benefits or obligations of the licence agreement of the LNY fair stalls. Otherwise, the department is entitled to terminate the agreement and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.
 
     For details, please visit the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk) or call the FEHD hotline at 2868 0000. 

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 19) conducted an anti-counterfeiting operation to combat the sale of suspected counterfeit cosmetics and skin care products. A total of about 1 300 pieces of suspected counterfeit cosmetics and skin care products with an estimated market value of about $73,000 were seized.

     Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit cosmetics and skin care products in shops. After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok and Sheung Shui yesterday and raided four dispensaries, five medicine stores and a warehouse. A total of about 1 300 pieces of suspected counterfeit cosmetics and skin care products, including soothing gel, eyebrow pencils and face powder, with an estimated market value of about $73,000, were seized. Eight men and five women were arrested, including seven shop owners and six salespersons, aged from 19 to 60.

     Investigation is ongoing and all arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs has been carrying out stringent enforcement against the sale of infringing goods and will continue to step up patrols and enforcement actions against infringing activities during the Christmas season.

     Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.

     Customs also reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal liability.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).