The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:

     The National Security Exhibition Gallery, organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS), was inaugurated at the Hong Kong Museum of History today (August 6). Officiating guests attending the opening ceremony were the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Chairman of the National Security Committee, Mr John Lee; Director of LOCPG and National Security Advisor of the National Security Committee, Mr Zheng Yanxiong; Head of OSNS, Mr Dong Jingwei; and Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Cui Jianchun.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Lee said that last year's Policy Address mentioned setting up a National Security Exhibition Gallery to raise public awareness of the importance of safeguarding national security and to promote national security education in the community. He expressed gratitude to the various ministries and commissions of the Central Authorities and offices of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong for their unwavering support. He hoped that through arranging visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery, various sectors of the SAR would better promote national security education, and strengthen the public's sense of and commitment to safeguarding national security proactively.

     Mr Lee said, "Safeguarding national security is a continuous endeavour with no end point. Faced with ever-changing international situations, frequent regional conflicts, and external forces' containment and suppression, we must stay alert to potential risks and adopt extreme-scenario thinking. We must co-ordinate development and security. With the new security architecture, we will be able to better safeguard China's new pattern of development. By fully and accurately implementing the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', and deeply integrating into China's overall development, we can contribute to the comprehensive construction of a strong, modernised China and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

     In his speech, Director Zheng pointed out, "Having gone through the transition from chaos to stability, the HKSAR is now marching valiantly on the bright road from stability to prosperity. It is precisely at times like these that we cannot overlook national security.

     "We pursue a peaceful and comfortable life, but we must constantly remind everyone to stay vigilant and uphold the rule of law at all times. I firmly believe that the opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery will further unite the consensus around 'Security Brings Prosperity', further nurture the foundation for safeguarding national security, and further consolidate people's strength to create a better life together."

     In his speech, Director Dong said, "Establishing the National Security Exhibition Gallery as a regular publicity and education base is an iconic and significant milestone. It is an important platform for elaborating a holistic approach to national security.

     "I hope the entire society will take this opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery as an opportunity to care about, support, and participate in national security, and think, shoulder responsibility and safeguard together, as well as contribute to Hong Kong's long-term security and prosperity!"

     Commissioner Cui said in his speech, "The establishment of the National Security Exhibition Gallery is a pragmatic measure by the HKSAR Government to proactively implement 'a holistic approach to national security', fulfill the requirements under the Hong Kong National Security Law, and carry out in-depth national security education. It is so meaningful to provide an important avenue for Hong Kong residents, especially youth, to understand national security."

     The National Security Exhibition Gallery is the first thematic gallery in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dedicated to systematic promotion of national security education. Located on the second floor of the Hong Kong Museum of History, Tsim Sha Tsui, with an area of more than 1 100 square metres, the Gallery will be open to the public free of charge starting from August 7. It is divided into six zones, including a theatre showing a short video that allows viewers to review the modern history of China and understand the importance of national security. It also introduces the founding of the People's Republic of China, the design of the national symbols and signs, the 20 security fields of "a holistic approach to national security", "One Country, Two Systems", and the laws on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, etc. The Gallery also features a three-dimensional theatre, various interactive games, and animations to increase interest and deepen visitors' understanding of national security.

     The Gallery displays many unique, authoritative and officially approved exhibits. Highlights include precious lunar soil on loan from the China National Space Administration; the national flag flying in Tiananmen Square on June 30, 2020, the day the Hong Kong National Security Law was promulgated and took effect, presented by the People's Government of Beijing Municipality; a 1:1 scale replica of the oil painting, "the Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China", gifted by the National Museum of China and exhibited for the first time outside the Mainland; samples of the first RMB banknotes issued by the People's Bank of China; as well as a 6-metre-tall, 1:9 model of the Long March-5B carrier rocket on display in Hong Kong for the first time.

     After the opening ceremony, the organiser specially invited over 40 primary two and three students to be the first to experience the exhibition. The students followed the docents' lead, exploring various exhibition zones and immersing themselves in the rich displays. They were eager to learn more and tried out various interactive installations. From their attentive and excited reactions, it was clear that the Gallery provided the students with a meaningful and engaging learning experience about national security.

                    

     The Department of Health (DH) today (August 6) appealed to the public not to buy or consume a slimming product (labelled as "Z FIT 純中藥減脂丸" with no English name), as it was found to contain undeclared controlled and banned drug ingredients.   
               
     Acting upon intelligence, the DH obtained samples of the above product via a social media platform for analysis. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the samples contained sibutramine and frusemide, which are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). The DH's investigation is continuing. 
           
     Sibutramine was once used as an appetite suppressant. Since November 2010, pharmaceutical products containing sibutramine have been banned in Hong Kong because of an increased cardiovascular risk. Frusemide is a diuretic used in the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure and oedema. Common adverse effects include feeling thirsty, dizziness, headaches and fast or irregular heartbeat.
      
     According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years' imprisonment.
      
     The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy products of unknown or doubtful composition, or to consume products from unknown sources. Members of the public who have purchased the above products should stop consuming them immediately. They should consult healthcare professionals for advice if feeling unwell after consumption. The public may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-1806, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.
      
     The spokesman added that weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before using any medication for weight control. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for "Health message on overweight problem and slimming products" and "Slimming products with undeclared Western drug ingredients" for information.

  

     In view of the recently ongoing protests and riots across the United Kingdom, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government reminds Hong Kong residents who are already there or intend to visit the United Kingdom to attend to personal safety.

     A Government spokesman said, "The Government reminds Hong Kong residents that the Amber Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) issued against the United Kingdom is still in force. Residents who intend to visit the country or are already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation."

     The Security Bureau, in view of the recently ongoing protests and riots across the United Kingdom, has already updated the OTA webpage regarding supplementary information for the United Kingdom and will continue to closely monitor the situation there. Any update will be issued through the media, the Bureau's mobile app and the OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).
    
     Hong Kong residents in the United Kingdom who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department (ImmD) at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the Immigration Department Mobile Application, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit the Online Assistance Request Form, or contact the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom at consular protection hotline: (44) 7536174993.
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     Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the ImmD to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong. The information provided allows the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following announcement today (August 6):
 
     An 85-year-old male patient in a medicine and geriatrics ward of PMH was found to be carrying Candida auris after screening on July 26. In accordance with the prevailing guideline, PMH conducted contact tracing and found one more patient, a 29-year-old male, carrying Candida auris. Both patients are asymptomatic and are being treated in isolation. One of them is in stable condition while the other patient is in serious condition due to underlying diseases.
 
     The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
 

1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned.

 
     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

     Hong Kong Customs on July 30 detected a suspected case of using an ocean-going vessel to smuggle goods to Malaysia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. A large batch of suspected smuggled electronic components with an estimated market value of about $150 million was seized.

     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods and thus formulated strategies to combat related activities.

     On July 30, Customs officers identified an ocean-going vessel preparing to depart from Hong Kong for Malaysia for inspection and seized a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including integrated circuits, motherboards, capacitors, and used electronic components, inside a container which was declared as containing zinc flakes aboard the vessel.

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs is the primary agency responsible for tackling smuggling activities and has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to crack down on related crimes.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).