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 announced today (December 17) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (December 17) reminded consumers to be cautious about the use of mobile data roaming services when travelling abroad during the festive holidays so as to avoid incurring unexpectedly high mobile data roaming charges.

     "Nowadays, many consumers travel with mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets. Consumers should be mindful that the charges for accessing mobile data roaming service outside Hong Kong are in general much higher than the charges for local mobile data usage. Downloading of large files/video clips, video streaming, access to mobile online games or automatic update of applications (apps) may also consume unexpectedly large volume of mobile data and result in hefty charges," a spokesman for the OFCA said.

     The OFCA advised consumers that, for their peace of mind when travelling abroad, they should consider adopting the following measures to avoid unexpected mobile data roaming charges:
      
     If mobile data roaming service is not required, consumers may:

• before leaving Hong Kong, disable both the mobile data service and data roaming service functions on their mobile devices; and
• request their operators to temporarily suspend mobile data roaming service before departure (currently, many operators can arrange suspension of roaming service for their customers, and some also allow suspension of mobile data roaming service while keeping voice roaming intact).

     If mobile data roaming service is required, consumers may:

• before departure, check with their operators the availability of mobile data roaming service and roaming partners available for their choice at the destination, as well as the details of the service charges;
• consider choosing a charge-capped data roaming service plan;
• when choosing a daily-rated data roaming service plan (day pass), be mindful of how the daily rate is charged, by checking its starting and ending time, whether the same charge applies to all destinations, and whether the plan is only applicable to a designated network;
• consider hiring pocket Wi-Fi devices or purchasing pre-paid mobile data SIM cards that can be used at the destination;
• while accessing the Internet or using apps via a Wi-Fi connection, check frequently to ensure that their mobile devices are not switched to mobile data services;
• if a dual-SIM mobile phone is used, check to ensure that the SIM card for overseas use is put in the correct card slot and the mobile setting is configured correctly; and
• to avoid accidental use of mobile data roaming service, consider (a) deactivating the auto download or auto play functions for multi-media contents in some apps, especially social media apps; and (b) deactivating the automatic update functions for emails, apps and other software.

     
     "At present, some operators will automatically activate the data roaming service for their customers. If consumers do not need the service, they should contact their operators to deactivate it so as to avoid using the data roaming service inadvertently. In addition, upon arrival at overseas destinations, consumers may receive promotional messages from different service providers offering various services for their selection. Consumers should pay extra attention when responding to such messages or clicking the hyperlinks provided therein, as mobile data connection may be activated by such an act and data roaming charges would be incurred as a result," the spokesman added.

     Additional consumer alerts on smart use of mobile data roaming service and data roaming day pass can be accessed via the following links:

• www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/alerts/mds/unexpected/index.html
• www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/guide/advice_roaming/smart_use/index.html

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations:

     The fire danger situation today (December 17) is red and fire risk is extreme. The countryside is extremely vulnerable to fire. If you are planning to spend the day in the countryside, please take pre-cooked food for a picnic and take all measures to prevent hill fires. The penalty for lighting fires illegally in the countryside is $25,000 and a year's imprisonment.
 

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 2.2 kilograms of suspected cocaine at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (December 15), with an estimated market value of about $2.5 million.

     A female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Siem Reap, Cambodia yesterday evening. During Customs clearance, the suspected cocaine was found concealed inside the false compartment of her suitcase. The 40-year-old woman was then arrested.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

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

  

     The Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the 79th Recruits Passing-out Parade at its headquarters today (December 16). The parade was reviewed by the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mr Bernard Chan.

     The CAS Recruit Training Certificate Programme has been recognised by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications as having accreditation standards at Level 3 under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. This year's graduates, comprising 170 recruits, are the third batch to be awarded the Certificate in Auxiliary Forces Basic Training (Civil Defence). A total of 26 graduated officer cadets, who have undergone eight months' training relating to disaster preparedness and disaster human resources management, will be deployed to various CAS units.

     Mr Chan today presented outstanding recruit awards to one officer cadet and eight recruit members. The CAS members and recruits also demonstrated removal of fallen trees, emergency rescue, and mountain search and rescue skills.

     The Assistant Commissioner (Training and Development) of the CAS, Mr Fung Kam-man, said that the CAS recruitment exercise for 2019 has started. A total of 600 members will be recruited in the recruitment exercise throughout the year. Recruitment details and application forms are available at the CAS website (www.cas.gov.hk).