Author Archives: hksar gov

     The owner of Australia Motor Service at Li Tak Street in Tai Kok Tsui illegally handled spent lubricating oil and was fined $19,000 by Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts today (November 8) for contravening the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation.

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) conducted a blitz inspection in May. It was found that after replacing lubricating oil for its customers, the vehicle maintenance workshop concerned arbitrarily placed the spent lubricating oil, which is classified as chemical waste, inside the garage. The spent lubricating oil was not properly labelled or stored in a leakproof device. After the EPD’s investigation, it was confirmed that the owner of the vehicle maintenance workshop did not register with the department as a chemical waste producer. After evidence gathering, the EPD initiated prosecution against the owner concerned for contravening the Regulation.

     An EPD spokesman explained that spent lubricating oil generated by vehicle maintenance workshops is classified as chemical waste and contains various toxic chemicals. Improper handling of such waste will cause the spent lubricating oil to leak into nearby drains and soil, which pollutes the environment and causes harm to public health.
 
     The spokesman reminded all garage operators and workers engaged in the vehicle repair business that they should register as chemical waste producers with the EPD in accordance with the above Regulation. Chemical waste must be properly packaged, labelled and stored, and has to be collected by licensed chemical waste collectors for delivery to licensed chemical waste disposal facilities for treatment. In addition, for replacement of lubricating oil or batteries, vehicle owners should engage the services of vehicle repair garages or companies that have registered with the EPD.

     Under the Regulation, first-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
 
     Members of the public may visit the EPD’s website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html. read more

     The Department of Health (DH) today (November 8) endorsed a licensed drug wholesaler, Hitpharm Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, to recall all batches of Ipufen Tablet 200mg (registration number: HK-64033) from the market due to a quality issue.
 
     During the DH’s market surveillance, samples of the above pharmaceutical product were collected for analysis. Testing results from the Government Laboratory showed that the samples failed the disintegration test, which might affect the efficacy of the product.
 
     Hitpharm thus voluntarily recalled the product from the market and has set up a hotline (2111 3862) to answer related enquiries. The DH has also instructed Hitpharm to report the root cause upon investigation by its manufacturer in Taiwan. The DH’s investigation is continuing.
 
     According to Hitpharm, the product has been supplied to local private doctors and pharmacies.
 
     The above pharmaceutical product contains Ibuprofen, which is a Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138) and is used to treat pain and inflammation. It can only be supplied at a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
 
     “So far, the DH has not received any adverse reaction reports in connection with the above product. The DH will closely monitor the recall,” a spokesman for the DH said.
 
     Members of the public should consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after using the product.

  

     The Government Property Agency invited tenders for the purchase of 10 former government quarters in September 2018 and today (November 8) announced the tender award for the following six properties at the highest total sal… read more

     The dance theatre production "Swan Lake/Loch na hEala" will be staged in the New Vision Arts Festival (NVAF) this month at the Kwai Tsing Theatre.        A depression sufferer was shot dead … read more

     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Joshua Law, today (November 8) visited the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA). He met with its management and staff of various grades to learn more about their work and matters… read more