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.

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 (August 14) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Deep Water Bay Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach, South Bay Beach, Chung Hom Kok Beach, St Stephen's Beach, Stanley Main Beach, Turtle Cove Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Lo So Shing Beach, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, Pui O Beach, Upper Cheung Sha Beach, Lower Cheung Sha Beach and Tong Fuk Beach in Islands District; Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.