â€‹Two drivers who were involved in illegal roadside dumping of construction and demolition (C&D) and commercial and industrial (C&I) waste in Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi were fined a total of $50,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (August 14) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
      
     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has all along been committed to combating illegal waste disposal. In Kwai Tsing District, round-the-clock surveillance camera systems have been installed at the district's fly-tipping black spots such as factories, mini-storage facilities and remote areas since 2015 to facilitate evidence collection and enforcement action. In February and March this year, the EPD successfully traced five illegal fly-tipping cases by using the vehicle information captured by the surveillance camera systems at Chun Pin Street in Kwai Chung and Hong Wan Road in Tsing Yi. At the Kwai Chung black spot, a driver was found dumping mud debris and household waste four times in about one week. The EPD subsequently prosecuted the persons involved under the WDO after evidence gathering.
      
     The EPD spokesperson reminded construction workers (including those carrying out minor renovation works) and members of the transportation and logistics sector that C&D waste as well as C&I waste should be delivered to the Government's waste treatment facilities for proper disposal in accordance with legal requirements. It is unethical and unlawful to dispose of waste in public places and on the roadside, as it obstructs pedestrians and could cause traffic accidents. First-time offenders under the WDO are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment.

     The factory of Yau Sang Galvanizing (Hot-Dip) Company Limited at Yuen Long Industrial Estate was caught again for illegal discharge of industrial wastewater. It was fined $40,000 by Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (August 14) for contravening the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (WPCO). The factory committed the same contravention earlier and was convicted and fined $15,000 this June.

     â€‹The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received a complaint last December about illegal discharge of wastewater by the above factory. EPD staff conducted a blitz inspection in the same month and found that the factory did not deliver wastewater to its sewage treatment facility for proper treatment. Instead, the industrial wastewater was being directly discharged into the communal sewer, which violated the requirements of the WPCO licence. The EPD subsequently prosecuted the factory in accordance with the law followed by conviction of the factory.

     In January this year, the EPD conducted a surprise inspection at the factory again and found that the factory did not improve its operation. Industrial wastewater containing zinc and iron was being discharged into storm drains, polluting nearby rivers and waters. After investigation and evidence gathering, the EPD subsequently prosecuted Yau Sang Galvanizing (Hot-Dip) Company Limited under the WPCO. The EPD will closely monitor the operation of the factory and enforcement action will be taken whenever any irregularity is found to deter repeated violations. 

     The wastewater generated from industrial operations is regulated under the WPCO. An EPD spokesman reminded members of the trade to take appropriate measures to prevent any untreated wastewater from being discharged into storm drains to protect the environment. Under the WPCO, it is an offence for anyone to discharge wastewater into storm drains. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. A maximum fine of $400,000 and six months' imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited on fraudulent website and phishing email, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the website should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited on phishing email, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
 
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the email concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the email should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     â€‹The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, will depart for Jakarta in Indonesia this Friday morning (August 17). He will take part in events of the 18th Asian Games and show support for Hong Kong athletes.

     During his visit in Jakarta, Mr Lau will call on the athletes' village to learn about the situation of the Hong Kong delegation and meet with Hong Kong athletes. He will attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games and watch competitions in which Hong Kong athletes participate.

     Mr Lau will return to Hong Kong on August 21. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs.