The Government proposes to introduce two new regulations and amend seven existing regulations under the Merchant Shipping (Safety) Ordinance to implement the latest requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in relation to the construction and survey and fire safety requirements of ships.

​     A spokesman for the Transport and Housing Bureau today (December 7) said, "The two new regulations, namely the Merchant Shipping (Safety)(Construction and Survey) Regulation and the Merchant Shipping (Safety)(Fire-fighting Appliances and Fire Protection) Regulation, together with the amendments to existing regulations, incorporate the relevant provisions in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea into local legislation."

​     Major new requirements on the construction and survey of ships cover regulations of ships using low-flashpoint fuels, specific construction requirements for oil tankers and bulk carriers, and the keeping of construction drawings of ocean-going vessels on board and ashore.

​     On fire safety, the new requirements include the provision of emergency escape breathing devices for crew use in the event of fire, installation of extinguishing systems for deep-fat cooking equipment on ocean-going vessels, and the provision of gas detectors on ships carrying gas-fuelled motor vehicles.

​     The Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development and the Shipping Consultative Committee of the Marine Department have been consulted on the legislative proposal.

​     The legislative proposal was gazetted today and will be tabled at the Legislative Council on December 12 for negative vetting.

     The Government announced today (December 7) the appointment of Mr Paul Lam Ting-kwok, SC, as Chairman of the Consumer Council for a term of two years with effect from January 1, 2019.

     Mr Lam will succeed Professor Wong Yuk-shan, who will be retiring from the Consumer Council having served as Chairman for six years. 

     "With his rich experience in and strong commitment to public service, we are confident that Mr Lam will provide able leadership to the Council in continuing to promote consumer interests in Hong Kong," a Government spokesman said.

     "We are most grateful to Professor Wong for his distinguished contribution to the Consumer Council over the years. His dedication and leadership have been invaluable to the work of the Council in safeguarding consumer rights," the spokesman added.

     The Government also announced the appointments of Mr Edward Ho Man-tat, Mr Victor Lam Hoi-cheung, Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong, Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun, Dr Lui Wing-cheong and Miss Iris Wan Lai-sze as well as the re-appointments of Mr Ambrose Lam San-keung, Mr Kevin Lam Sze-cay and Mr Kent Wong Siu-kee as members of the Consumer Council for a term of two years with effect from January 1, 2019.

     Ms Grace Chan Man-yee, Ms Jo Jo Chan Shuk-fong, Dr Raymond Leung Siu-hong, Mr Keith Lie Kin-fu, Dr Karen Shum Hau-yan and Professor Wong Kam-fai will retire from the Council after completion of their terms on December 31, 2018.

     "We are delighted that three incumbent members and six new members have accepted their appointment. We would also like to express our gratitude to the six retiring members for their contributions to various aspects of the Council’s work," the spokesman said.

     The composition of the Council with effect from January 1, 2019 is as follows:

Chairman
————
Mr Paul Lam Ting-kwok, SC

Vice-Chairman
—————–
Mr Samuel Chan Ka-yan

Members
————-
Ms Linda Chan Ching-fan, SC
Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing
Dr Wilton Fok Wai-tung
Ms Amy Fung Dun-mi
Mr Steven Ho Chun-yin
Mr Edward Ho Man-tat
Mr Marvin Hsu Tsun-fai
Mr Antonio Kwong Cho-shing
Mr Victor Lam Hoi-cheung
Mr Matthew Lam Kin-hong
Mr Ambrose Lam San-keung
Mr Kevin Lam Sze-cay
Ms Vanessa Lau Chi-wan
Ms Kitty Lee Wing-lan
Mr Alan Lui Siu-lun
Dr Lui Wing-cheong
Mr Siu King-wai
Professor Nora Tam Fung-yee
Mr Kent Wong Siu-kee
Miss Iris Wan Lai-sze

     The Government today (December 7) announced the re-appointment of Mr Thomas Jefferson Wu to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) for a term of two years from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020.

     "During the past four years, Mr Wu has provided valuable suggestions on various aspects of the HKTB's work. We are delighted that he has accepted the re-appointment," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said.

     Appointments to the HKTB are made by the Financial Secretary under section 9 of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Ordinance (Chapter 302), under authority delegated by the Chief Executive.

     The Government announced today (December 7) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Dr Tik Chi-yuen and Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi as members of the Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee for two years starting from January 1, 2019.   

     "Dr Tik and Mrs Kung have been participating actively in the work of the Committee, drawing from their professional knowledge and experience and offering valuable advice. We look forward to their further contribution to the Committee," a Government spokesman said.  

     The Disaster Relief Fund was established by a Legislative Council resolution on December 1, 1993 to provide a ready mechanism for Hong Kong to respond swiftly to international appeals for humanitarian aid in relief of disasters that occur outside Hong Kong. The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee is responsible for advising on fund disbursement and monitoring the use of grants by the recipients.  

     The membership of the Advisory Committee from January 1, 2019 is as follows:

Chairman:
Chief Secretary for Administration (ex-officio)

Members:
Mr Ip Kwok-him
Dr Lam Ching-choi
Dr Helena Wong Pik-wan
Mr Kenneth Lau Ip-keung
Dr Tik Chi-yuen
Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury or representative (ex-officio)
Secretary for Labour and Welfare or representative (ex-officio)

     The Government published in the Gazette today (December 7) the Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2018 (the Amendment Ordinance) to amend some of the provisions in the new Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) (the new CO) so as to improve the clarity and operation of the new CO and further facilitate business in Hong Kong.
 
     The new CO was enacted in July 2012 and commenced operation in March 2014. The Amendment Ordinance seeks to incorporate new developments since the commencement of the new CO and clarify the policy intent or remove ambiguities and inconsistencies. Major amendments include updating the accounting-related provisions, expanding the types of companies within the reporting exemption, and enhancing the administrative, procedural and technical requirements regulating local companies and non-Hong Kong companies. These amendments can reduce compliance costs of companies and better address the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises.
 
     The Amendment Ordinance was enacted by the Legislative Council on November 28, 2018, and will commence operation on February 1, 2019.