Hong Kong Customs today (October 4) is investigating a suspected case of operating money service without a licence, in contravention of the Anti-money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO). … read more
A vehicle owner was fined $1,500 by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (October 4) for being involved in a case in which someone illegally deposited waste from his goods vehicle, with the illegal act captured by Internet protocol (IP) cameras installed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).
A spokesman for the FEHD said that the department’s IP cameras recorded footage of someone driving a goods vehicle to Ta Chuen Ping Street Refuse Collection Point (RCP) in Kwai Chung and illegally depositing waste outside the RCP from the vehicle on June 13, 2018. The goods vehicle owner was hence charged.
To address the environmental hygiene problems caused by frequent illegal deposits of refuse and waste at black spots in various districts, the FEHD progressively extended the scheme of installation of IP cameras at illegal refuse deposit black spots to all districts in the territory starting from June this year for enhanced monitoring of the situation on illegal dumping of waste and planning of more effective enforcement action so as to strengthen the effectiveness of evidence collection and law enforcement. Since the scheme was launched, the FEHD has instituted some 80 prosecutions.
According to the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation (Cap 132BK), it is an offence to litter in public places. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction. The FEHD will continue to closely monitor the targeted black spots. Members of the public are urged not to litter and offenders will be prosecuted. read more
The Department of Health (DH) and the Police today (October 4) in a joint operation raided a retail stall in Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok for suspected illegal possession of unregistered proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms).
Acting upon intelligence, the DH investigated and seized four suspected unregistered pCms including Songlonw Moxa Roll and Diaitang Moxa Roll, as well as two other products (no English name, see photo) from the stall.
During the operation, a 67-year-old man was arrested by the Police for suspected illegal possession of unregistered pCms. The DH’s investigation is continuing.
According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, moxibustion is a Chinese medicine therapy, and involves the stimulation of acupoints by burning moxa products such as moxa sticks. Through the effects of heat and medicine it may regulate meridians and collaterals and relieve pain. Improper use, however, can lead to skin burns and infections.
According to section 119 of the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap 549), no person shall sell, import or possess any pCm unless the pCm is registered. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters.
“All registered pCms should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the product label in the format of ‘HKC-XXXXX’ or ‘HKP-XXXXX’. Since safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pCms are not guaranteed, the public should not buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. Those who have purchased the concerned products should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or feeling unwell after use,” a DH spokesman said.
The public can submit the concerned products to the DH’s Chinese Medicine Division on 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: The application period for the 80 per cent loan guarantee product under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme operated by the HKMC Insurance Limited will be exte… read more
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 4) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) at a kindergarten-cum-child care centre in Hung Hom, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
The outbreak involves nine boys and 13 girls aged 2 to 3, who developed vomiting and diarrhoea since September 28. They all sought medical attention. Among them, two required hospitalisation and were discharged after treatment. All patients have been in a stable condition.
Upon laboratory testing, the stool specimen of one affected child tested positive for norovirus while the stool specimen of another affected child tested positive for sapovirus.
Officers of the CHP conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the staff of the school concerning proper and thorough disinfection, proper disposal of vomitus, and personal and environmental hygiene. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
The CHP’s investigations are ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP advised members of the public to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis: