As at noon today (August 28), the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has conducted tests on radiological level of 184 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic products, seaweeds and sea salt" category, in the past three days (including last Saturday and Sunday). No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found at 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 tests. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found at AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
     
     Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly was detected so far. For details, please refer to HKO's website (www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
 
     From 24 August to noon today, CFS and AFCD have conducted tests on radiological level of 567 samples of food imported from Japan and 250 samples of local catch respectively.  All the samples passed the tests.
 

     â€‹ While the HKSAR Government, from August 24 onwards, prohibits the import of all aquatic products originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) performs its gatekeeping role at the import level and enhances the testing on imported Japanese food. The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Ms Irene Young, accompanied by the Controller of the CFS, Dr Christine Wong, today (August 28) visited the Hong Kong International Airport to observe the consignment clearance and inspection procedures for food products imported from Japan, and the operation of which was generally smooth.

     According to the latest Food Safety Order (the Order) issued by the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, all aquatic products originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, are prohibited from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong if they are harvested, manufactured, processed or packed on or after August 24, 2023, including all live, frozen, chilled, dried or otherwise preserved aquatic products, sea salt, and unprocessed or processed seaweed. For other aquatic products, sea salt, and unprocessed or processed seaweed from Japan that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the CFS 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.

     Ms Young visited the cargo terminals of the airport and the Airport Food Inspection Office of the CFS respectively to observe the consignment clearance and inspection procedures for aquatic products imported from Japan. Staff of the CFS demonstrated how the relevant documents (such as air waybill and bill of lading, packing list, etc) and the label of goods as well as the radiation certificate and exporter certificate of the food products (applicable to import control measures that have been implemented before August 24 and non-aquatic products) under regulation are reviewed when they are imported from Japan. If needed, staff of the CFS will also contact the relevant importers to learn more about the situation. In general, information on the place of origin will be carried in the label of goods or the packing list. Aquatic products that are not harvested, manufactured, processed, or packed in the regulated metropolis/prefectures but are simply transited or transported through the regulated metropolis/prefectures on their way to Hong Kong are not under the scope of regulation of the Order.

     After reviewing relevant import documents of the food products, staff of the CFS will conduct radiological tests. Samples of the food product that failed to pass the radiological tests will be sent to the Government Laboratory for further laboratory radiological testing. If the testing results are satisfactory, a release letter will be issued by the CFS to the relevant importer for releasing the food consignment. According to current observations, the inspection time for most imported Japanese aquatic products is essentially the same as it has been in the past. The majority of them may be completed in about an hour, and the whole consignment clearance procedures including inspection can usually be completed within three to four hours.

     In fact, the CFS has since mid-June expanded the scope of testing to cover all Japanese aquatic products and stepped up tests on related processed food imported from Japan, and has announced on its webpage the radiological testing results of the imported food from Japan for public viewing.

     The CFS will continue to maintain close contact with the Japanese food import trade and the catering sector, to communicate on the relevant control measures and latest situation. The CFS will hold the third session of online briefing for relevant sectors tomorrow (August 29) to explain the details of the new measures. Participation by the logistics sector is invited to better complement the logistical arrangements for the imported goods.

     Ms Young stressed that food safety is of an issue of paramount importance affecting public health. The CFS will continue to perform its gatekeeping role at the import level, and strengthen its work to explain to the trade about the new measures so as to ensure a smooth operation and safeguard food safety in Hong Kong.

    

     The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) announced today (August 28) that the first batch of the "Greater Bay Area Information Station" (GBAIS) digital information platform commenced operation. With a simple and easy-to-use interface, the GBAIS introduces to members of the public the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and useful information about the GBA cities, thereby enhancing the understanding of different sectors of the community about the policy directions and facilitation measures for the high-quality development of the GBA.

     The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, visited the GBAIS located at the Hong Kong Central Library today and introduced to members of the public the diverse and informative content of the GBAIS. She also encouraged Hong Kong young people to make good use of the significant opportunities brought about by GBA development.

     "The GBA is one of the most open and economically vibrant regions in the country.  It is also the best entry point for Hong Kong to better integrate into the overall development of the country. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to GBA development, and has been adopting a multi-pronged approach to actively promote Hong Kong's participation in the high-quality development of the GBA, and to create more development opportunities for Hong Kong residents and enterprises," Ms Chan said.

     "The Chief Executive has established and personally chairs the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, which is a top-level institution to provide high-level leadership and coordinate the work on Hong Kong's integration into the overall national development, including to actively dovetail with key national strategies such as the development of the GBA. The Steering Group has also introduced various policy measures to strengthen the connectivity in different aspects within the GBA and foster the efficient and smooth flow of people, goods, capital and information among various GBA cities," Ms Chan added.

     "Hong Kong has the institutional strength of 'One Country, Two Systems', and also enjoys the distinctive advantages of having the strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. The HKSAR Government will continue to capitalise on Hong Kong's strengths to proactively participate in the high-quality development of the GBA, thereby seizing the unlimited opportunities brought about by the country's development and injecting continued impetus to the growth of the HKSAR."

     Ms Chan said that the HKSAR Government also attaches great importance to telling the good story of the GBA. The government will continue to make use of different channels to disseminate more positive information about the development of the GBA to local residents, enterprises as well as Mainland and overseas stakeholders, so as to let everyone know that the GBA is full of vitality, and is one of the most vibrant regions with the greatest development potential in the world. The development of the GBAIS by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office of CMAB is one of the publicity strategies to strengthen the promotion of GBA development, and to provide more useful information about the GBA at the district level.

     The first batch of seven GBAISs has been set up at different spots on the Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories (see Annex) to disseminate rich information about the GBA, including the development timeline, and the development directions and policy measures in different areas. The GBAIS also features short videos providing practical information for Hong Kong people and enterprises about living and developing in the Mainland cities of the GBA, e.g. application for Residence Permit, opening bank accounts, purchasing properties, education arrangements, taxation, healthcare and social security-related issues, etc.

     The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office will gradually set up more GBAISs in different districts in Hong Kong for the convenience of users. The content of GBAIS has also been uploaded to www.bayarea.gov.hk/gbais for easy access by members of the public through the Internet.

        

     The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, began his visit programme in Vietnam today (August 28). He called on the Ministry of Public Security and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on co-operation in respect of immigration matters between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Vietnam. He also visited a Hong Kong enterprise and met with some Hong Kong people in Vietnam.
 
     In the morning, Mr Tang met with the Deputy Minister of Public Security of Vietnam, Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang, and introduced to him Hong Kong's latest situation. Both sides exchanged views on the collaboration on immigration matters and the safeguarding of public safety. Afterwards, they witnessed the signing of the MOU by the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang, and the Director General of Immigration Department of Vietnam, Mr Pham Dang Khoa, on enhancing co-operation in respect of immigration matters of the two places.
 
     The MOU will enhance exchanges of experience and information in relation to immigration matters between the two places in various areas, including detecting and seizing fake travel documents, as well as preventing and combating illegal entry and exit. The two places will also strengthen co-operation on verification and repatriation of illegal migrants (including non-refoulement claimants) to enhance efficiency.
 
     Mr Tang said that the exchanges between Hong Kong and Vietnam in terms of trade and people-to-people connection have been increasing over the years. The signing of the MOU on enhancing co-operation on immigration matters today signified that the close relations between the two places have scaled new heights. He welcomed more Vietnamese visitors to travel to Hong Kong and come to do business. He also expressed his hope that more young talent in Vietnam will pursue their studies in Hong Kong and stay to develop their careers after graduation.
 
     In the afternoon, Mr Tang had a meeting with the heads of the Department of External Security, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, and exchanged views with them on matters including anti-terrorism and the safeguarding of national security.
 
     In addition, Mr Tang paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr Xiong Bo, and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest situation in relation to safeguarding national security, maintaining law and order, and effective cross-border control. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam for its long-standing and strong support for the work of the Immigration Department in providing assistance to Hong Kong residents in distress abroad.
 
     In the evening, Mr Tang visited a Hong Kong enterprise's investment in Vietnam to learn about its operation and the local business environment. He also met with some Hong Kong people in Vietnam to know more about the socio-economic situation there and briefed the group on the latest developments in Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Tang will depart for Singapore tomorrow (August 29).

        

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 28) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent SMS message purportedly issued by the HKeToll. The SMS message provides a hyperlink (https://bit.ly/3EgNiGw) to a fake website (https://hketoll/buzz/), which seeks to deceive recipients into making payments and obtain their telephone number and credit card information.

     The TD clarifies that the SMS messages were not issued by the HKeToll and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. Members of the public are reminded that the HKeToll will not send SMS messages or emails to vehicle owners with hyperlinks which direct them to websites to carry out transactions. If a vehicle owner wishes to pay an outstanding toll online, they must log on to the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app.

     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving unidentified messages. They should not visit suspicious websites and disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the websites concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries about the HKeToll, please call 3853 7333.