The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (June 8) announced that the department collected 10 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples from auto-LPG filling stations and LPG terminals on a random basis in May 2018 for laboratory tests. The results showed that the LPG quality of all these samples complied with auto-LPG specifications.

     The detailed test results are available on the EMSD's website (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/sgi/lpg_smpl_analysis.shtml). Enquiries can also be made to the EMSD's hotline on 2333 3762.

     In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.

     The Planning Department today (June 8) published a report entitled "Projections of Population Distribution 2018-2026", which presents the latest population distribution projections for 2018-2026.
      
     The population distribution projections have been compiled based on the latest projected total population for Hong Kong released by the Census and Statistics Department in September 2017 and the latest planning information.
      
     The report projects that the populations of the New Territories and Kowloon will increase by 441 600 and 140 200 between 2016 and 2026, reaching 4.28 million and 2.38 million respectively by 2026, while that of Hong Kong Island is expected to decrease gradually from 1.25 million to 1.16 million during the same period.
      
     In terms of share of the total population, the New Territories will rise from 52 per cent to 55 per cent between 2016 and 2026, while that for Kowloon will decrease from 31 per cent to 30 per cent. The share of Hong Kong Island will decrease from 17 per cent to 15 per cent during the same period.
      
     The report also presents the projected population of the District Council districts. Kwun Tong District, Sha Tin District and Yuen Long District are projected to be the three most populous districts in 2026, with populations reaching 721 200, 708 600 and 700 400 respectively.
      
     Wong Tai Sin District is projected to be the district with the highest proportion of elderly population aged 65 or above, rising from 17 per cent in 2016 to 26 per cent in 2026.
      
     The report "Projections of Population Distribution 2018-2026", as well as statistical tables containing the detailed results of the projections of population distribution for 2018-2026, have been uploaded to the website of the Planning Department (www.pland.gov.hk). Members of the public can access the report and the tables directly at www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/info_serv/statistic/wgpd18.html.

     The Government announced today (June 8) that the Chief Executive has appointed Madam Justice Carlye Chu Fun-ling, Mr Philip John Dykes, SC, and Mrs Pamela Chan Wong Shui as members of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (the Commission).  

     The Chief Executive has also re-appointed Mr Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung as a member of the Commission.

     "The four members will serve for a two-year term, starting from July 1 this year, to June 30, 2020," a government spokesman said.

    Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching, Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC, and Mr Christopher Cheng Wai-chee, serving members of the Commission, will retire from the Commission on June 30, 2018.

     "We wish to express our gratitude to Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching, Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC, and Mr Christopher Cheng Wai-chee, for their invaluable advice rendered to the Commission during their term of office, and for their contribution to upholding Hong Kong’s judicial independence," the spokesman said.

     The functions of the Commission are to advise or make recommendations to the Chief Executive regarding the filling of vacancies in judicial offices, representations from a judicial officer concerning conditions of service referred to it by the Chief Executive, and any matter affecting judicial officers which may be prescribed or which the Chief Executive may refer to it.

     Other members of the Commission are the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal (ex-officio Chairman), the Secretary for Justice (ex-officio member), Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun, Professor Tony Chan Fan-cheong and Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 8) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
     From June 1 to 7, the CHP recorded six confirmed DF cases. The patients had been to Thailand (three cases), Cambodia (one case), the Maldives (one case) and the Philippines (one case) during the incubation period.
 
     As of yesterday (June 7), 29 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (13), the Philippines (seven) and Cambodia (three).
 
     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia. The latest figures for 2018 reveal that 14 973 cases have been recorded in Thailand, 1 166 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 49 in Japan. In the Americas, the latest figures indicate that 9 632 cases have been filed in Mexico in 2018.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.
   

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a concentration of DEET of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, will depart for Shenzhen on Sunday morning (June 10) to attend the 2018 Shenzhen Hong Kong Macao Youth Entrepreneurship Summit.

     Co-organised by the Hong Kong United Youth Association, the Shenzhen Overseas Friendship Association and the Shenzhen Public Innovation Space Association, the summit aims to gives young people an insight into the entrepreneurship opportunities brought about by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. Around 50 Hong Kong youths will attend the summit on Sunday. They will also visit the creative hub and exhibition of creative products and attend sharing sessions.

     â€‹Mr Lau will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on the same day.