The Security Bureau (SB), together with the disciplined services and auxiliary forces under it, will hold a six-day exhibition at the Hong Kong Space Museum foyer starting tomorrow (November 6). The exhibition will showcase the cultural and creative items which were carefully selected to be carried by the country's Shijian-19 satellite during its recent space mission, with a view to enhancing the sense of national pride among members of the public and deepening their understanding of the disciplined and auxiliary services.
      
     The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, earlier officiated at the unboxing ceremony held at the Central Government Offices, during which he presented the items and space payload certificates to the heads of the respective services. Mr Tang said it was an honour to be invited to participate in the national space programme involving the country's first reusable and returnable test satellite, which successfully accomplished its return mission. This marks a significant breakthrough in key technologies in aerospace, demonstrating the nation's remarkable progress in the area of space exploration. The payloads also symbolised the spirit of the disciplined services in embracing the pursuit of dreams and innovation while dedicating themselves to safeguarding Hong Kong.
      
     The cultural and creative items and promotional materials selected by the SB include a national security-themed comic, which is a testimony to the importance the SB has attached to safeguarding national security. As one of the main characters of the comic, Security Bear was also given special equipment to join the journey to space, further promoting national security education and helping children understand the importance of national security from a young age in a fun way. Given the promotion of the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area tourism is also a key initiative of the SB, and a series of promotional items featuring the cultural characteristics of Sha Tau Kok were chosen for the space journey.

     Other meaningful items were selected by the disciplined and auxiliary services, including the mascots of different services, such as Little Grape from the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and Mini Bean from the Junior Police Call; a teddy bear from Customs Yes of the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED); Captain Gor from the Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders of the Correctional Services Department (CSD); AMSER from the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS), as well as other items such as samples of a passport and identity card of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a publication of the Fire Services Department (FSD) , an album, a flag and framed items.

     The Shijian-19 satellite was launched on September 27 and returned safely on October 11. The payload items of the disciplined and auxiliary services came from the HKPF, the C&ED, the Immigration Department, the CSD, the FSD, the Government Flying Service, the AMS, the Civil Aid Service and the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.

  

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     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 5) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), the Film Development Fund, and the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region supported the London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) from October 23 to November 3 (London time), which showcased six selected Hong Kong films and hosted three live question and answer sessions with creative talent from Hong Kong. A reception was held following the closing gala screening, bringing together creative talent from Hong Kong and over 50 guests from the local cultural and business sectors.

     The Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, addressed the audience at the closing gala ceremony. "The London ETO is proud to partner with LEAFF for the ninth time to shine a spotlight on Hong Kong cinema. Known as the 'Hollywood of the East', Hong Kong boasts a vibrant community of creative and ambitious talent which shares the vision of establishing Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges, as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan," he said.

     Four creative talents from Hong Kong graced the festivities, with actor Simon Yam and actress Sandra Ng receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Honorary Award respectively. Director Vincent Chow joined Mr Yam for a Q&A session on November 3, while Ms Ng participated in her own Q&A session on November 2. Director and screenwriter Felix Chong also talked about directing and screenwriting in East Asia during a Q&A session on October 24. Further highlighting Hong Kong's cinematic achievements, "Love Lies" was awarded the Best Film in Competition.

     The 11-day festival featured the world premiere of "Little Red Sweet", along with the United Kingdom premieres of "Out of the Shadow", "High Forces" and "Love Lies", as well as "Stuntman" and "Shanghai Blues".

            

     In response to a media report on the illegal sale of food items like meat by unlicensed hawkers on Tak Tai Path, Kwai Chung, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 4) said that the department has deep concern and has taken prompt action to combat these illegal acts in order to safeguard public health and food safety.

     The FEHD spokesman said that during an enforcement operation in August this year, the FEHD staff arrested an unlicensed hawker for selling frozen meat and sushi illegally. In addition, they arrested three unlicensed hawkers for selling second-hand goods at the same location last week. To prevent similar irregularities, the FEHD has strengthened inspections at the location. Furthermore, the FEHD will organise special operations and conduct blitz inspections at locations across the territory that have frequent illegal hawking activities. The FEHD will take stringent enforcement actions against the illegal sale of food by hawkers. The FEHD also encourages members of the public to report hawkers selling suspicious food to the department.

     The spokesman emphasised that under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X), any person who sells restricted food (including frozen meat, sashimi and sushi) without permission commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction. No one should defy the law. The spokesman reminded members of the public that consuming food from unknown sources and expired food, particularly high-risk food like meat, sashimi and sushi, may pose serious food safety risks. Members of the public should refrain from patronising illegal hawkers when purchasing any food. 

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (November 4) investigating an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) involving a study tour organised by a primary school in Tuen Mun between November 1 and 2, and hence reminded the public and management of institutions to maintain personal and environmental hygiene against AGE.
     
     The outbreak involves 26 pupils, comprising 15 boys and 11 girls aged 10 to 11. They developed vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever since November 1. Two of the affected pupils sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All patients are in stable condition.

     The CHP's epidemiological investigation revealed that one of the pupils in the outbreak had first vomited during their visiting activity on November 1. Other pupils exposed to the vomiting incident developed gastrointestinal symptoms subsequently. The CHP considers that the outbreak may be caused by person-to-person transmission or environmental contamination. Investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP reminded that alcohol-based handrub should not substitute hand hygiene with liquid soap and water, as alcohol does not effectively kill some viruses frequently causing AGE, e.g. norovirus. Members of the public are advised to take heed of the following preventive measures against gastroenteritis:
 

• Ensure proper personal hygiene;
• Wash hands thoroughly before handling food and eating, after using the toilet or after changing diapers;
• Wear gloves when disposing of vomitus or faecal matter, and wash hands afterwards;
• Clean and disinfect contaminated areas or items promptly and thoroughly with diluted household bleach (by adding one part of bleach containing 5.25 per cent sodium hypochlorite to 49 parts of water). Wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• Pay attention to food hygiene;
• Use separate utensils to handle raw and cooked food;
• Avoid food that is not thoroughly cooked;
• Drink boiled water; and
• Do not patronise unlicensed food premises or food stalls.

     
     The public may visit the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk) or call the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111) for more information.