In response to the Japanese Government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
 
     For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
 
     As the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water is unprecedented and will continue for 30 years or more, the Government will closely monitor and step up the testing arrangements. Should anomalies be detected, the Government does not preclude further tightening the scope of the import ban.
 
     From noon on July 29 to noon today (July 30), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 159 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt" category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS's thematic website titled "Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan" (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).

     In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
 
     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO's website
(www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
 
     From August 24 to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 72 134 samples of food imported from Japan (including 46 358 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 16 946 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests.

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at the 120th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony of Hong Kong Tramways Limited today (July 30):

Mehdi (Member of the Executive Board, International Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Senior Vice-President of RATP Dev Group, Mr Mehdi Sinaceur), Henri (Asia-Pacific CEO of RATP Dev Group, Mr Henri Pottier), Paul (Managing Director of Hong Kong Tramways Limited, Mr Paul Tirvaudey), distinguished guests, friends, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to join you all to celebrate Hong Kong Tramways' 120th anniversary of service. Today marks a significant milestone for not only the Tramways, but also for Hong Kong's public transport system. 

     Tram is one of the oldest modes of public transport, and the earliest "mass transit" system in Hong Kong, running along the north coast of Hong Kong Island, traversing the very heart of the city for 120 years. Through all these years, with rapid changes in the city and the emergence of other transport modes, the Tramways remains one of the most well-liked, iconic, and affordable choices of public transport for commuters and tourists alike.

     The Tramways has been the backdrop and even part of so many important and historic moments of Hong Kong and our people. Though our city has changed vastly since 1904, our trams have had a constant presence in Hong Kong people's life in the evolving landscape and times. It is much more than just a means of transport for so many of us here; it is a local pride and fixture, known for its legacy and craftsmanship. The theme of the 120th anniversary celebration, "moved by our every journey", particularly resonates with me – transportation, while omnipresent and unassuming that we wouldn't typically give much thought to in our day-to-day life, does not only "move" us physically from a place to another, it also propels us forward in our life journey and leads us to many important moments and experiences in our lives. I can think of many memorable moments while on the rails; and for many Hong Kong people, the ever-present sound of "ding ding" is often strangely endearing when navigating the busy streets and hectic city lives. 

     "Ding Ding" is many of the "firsts" in Hong Kong public transport and has not fallen out of the picture since, but the Tramways does not just dwell on its legacy in this fast-changing world. It continues to check the boxes for qualities that are just as, if not more, sought-after and relevant in today's world as ever. Through years of continuous infrastructural improvements and innovations, the Tramways improves its service in terms of safety, service level, passenger riding comfort, and customer satisfaction. Today, it has the largest fleet of in-service double-decker tramcars in the world, proudly designed and made in Hong Kong, for Hong Kong, and "ding ding" has become a cultural icon that is considered trendy but classic.

     I note that the Hong Kong Tramways is launching a citywide celebration campaign, aiming to create memorable journeys for families and tourists and bring the joy to everyone in the city. I would like to, again, congratulate Hong Kong Tramways on its 120th "birthday" and invite everyone to join the celebration. I am sure the Tramways will continue to thrive and inspire us for years to come. 

     Last but not least, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka-long for winning the second gold medal for Hong Kong early this morning. I wish the Paris Olympics every success in the coming weeks, and I am sure the Paris Olympics will also be a success for Hong Kong as well. 

     Thank you.

     Four property owners were convicted and fined over $950,000 in total at the Kowloon City and Fanling Magistrates' Courts earlier this month for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

     The first and the second cases involved several unauthorised structures with a total area of about 1 140 square metres on the roof of an industrial building at Sze Mei Street, Wong Tai Sin. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), removal orders were served on two concerned owners respectively under section 24(1) of the BO.

     Failing to comply with the removal orders, the two owners were prosecuted by the BD three times and were fined about $265,000 and $270,000 respectively in total upon convictions by the court. As they persisted in not complying with the removal orders, they were prosecuted for the fourth time and were fined $152,400 and $162,400 respectively upon conviction again at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on July 3.
      
     The third case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 6 000 sq m across 13 sections of a lot in D.D. 52, Fu Tei Au, North District. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, 13 removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.
      
     Failing to comply with the removal orders, the owner was prosecuted by the BD last year and was fined about $250,000 in total upon conviction by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal orders, the BD instigated prosecution again. The owner was fined $495,020 in total, of which $85,020 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction again at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts on July 9.
      
     The fourth case involved two unauthorised structures with a total area of about 70 sq m on the flat roof and roof of a house in The Beverly Hills, Tai Po. As the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.
      
     Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $138,200, of which $118,200 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts on July 16.
      
     A spokesman for the BD said today (July 30), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. The concerned owners must comply with the removal order without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement actions and consider instigating prosecution against the owners again at appropriate times if they persist in not complying with the order, so as to ensure building safety."

     Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.     

     The Environment and Ecology Bureau today (July 30) announced the appointments to the new term of the Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund. Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin has been reappointed as the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, and 10 members will also continue to serve on the Advisory Committee. In addition, six new members have been appointed to the Advisory Committee, namely Ms Judy Ho Pui-suen, Mr Jude Chow Chee-ping, Ms Melanie Kwok Hoi-yee, Ms Sabrina Leung Heung-ying, Mr Harvey Liu Wing-tai and Mr Thomas Wong Cheung-chi.
      
     The appointments are for a term of three years starting August 1, 2024.
　　 
     "We welcome the new members and hope that the Advisory Committee in its new term will continue to maintain close communication with the recycling industry and stakeholders. Through various funding programmes, the Recycling Fund assists the local recycling industry in enhancing its overall operational capabilities and productivity, and help enterprises to enhance and expand their recycling operation in support of the sustainable development of the recycling industry. We also express our gratitude to the eight outgoing members, namely Dr Evelyn Lam Ho-yi, Ms Kelly Wong Ka-lei, Mr Terry Yip Man-pan, Mr Andrew Chan Shiu-shan, Prof Daniel Cheng Man-chung, Mr Teddy Cheung Ching-yeung, Mr Marvin Hsu Tsun-fai and Mr Wilson Kwong Wing-tsuen, for their contributions in this tenure," a spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said.
      
     The Advisory Committee comprises experts, academics and people with experience in business management, business sustainability and community service, as well as representatives from various business and industry associations. Representatives of relevant government bureaux and departments, including the Environmental Protection Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Labour Department, the Home Affairs Department and the Trade and Industry Department, will also be invited to attend meetings for discussion as and when required.
　　 
     The membership of the new term of the Advisory Committee is as follows:
      
Chairperson
Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin
 
Members
Ms Bonnie Chan Jo-ying
Mr Nathan Chau Cheuk-yin
Dr Chung Shan-shan
Ms Judy Ho Pui-Suen #
Dr Amie Lai Gor
Mr Nicholas Lai Yui-man
Dr Barry Lee Chi-hong
Dr Frank Leung Yat-cheong
Mr Yuet Ngai-keung
Dr Edward Chan Chi-wing
(Representative of the Business Environment Council)
Mr Jude Chow Chee-ping #
(Representative of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries)
Ms Melanie Kwok Hoi-yee #
(Representative of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce)
Prof Raymond Leung Hai-ming
(Representative of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce)
Ms Sabrina Leung Heung-ying #
(Representative of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' & Exporters' Association)
Mr Harvey Liu Wing-tai #
(Representative of the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies)
Mr Thomas Wong Cheung-chi #
(Representative of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong)
 
# New member
 
     To facilitate the operation of the Recycling Fund, the Advisory Committee was established in August 2015 to advise and make recommendations to the Government on matters relating to the overall administration and operation of the Recycling Fund. The Advisory Committee has so far approved about 2 600 applications involving a total funding of more than $800 million.

     Police today (July 30) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Ngau Tau Kok.

     Chan Wan-ming, aged 78, went missing after he left his residence in Tak Long Estate yesterday (July 29) morning. His family made a report to Police on the same day.
    
     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 75 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a long face with yellow complexion and short white hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue polo shirt, blue jeans, dark-coloured sneakers, a pair of rimless glasses, a dark-coloured cap and carrying a black rucksack.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0331 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.