The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a joint operation with the Police on July 19. Twenty-nine specimens of endangered turtles, seven suspected turtle eggs and some tools suspected for hunting purposes were seized on some premises in Tai Po and a male suspect was arrested.

     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "The Police received a complaint last October regarding suspected illegal hunting of wild turtles. After investigation and intelligence collection, the Police and the AFCD mounted a joint operation. Twenty-nine specimens, including 14 big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum), which are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I; two yellow-margined box turtles (Cuora flavomarginata), four Southeast Asian box turtles (Cuora amboinensis), two Giant Asian pond turtles (Heosemys grandis) and four wattle-necked softshell turtles (Palea steindachneri), which are listed in CITES Appendix II; and three Reeve's turtles (Mauremys reevesii), which are listed in CITES Appendix III, were found on the premises of a male suspect in Tai Po. All the turtles are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Furthermore, seven suspected turtle eggs and some tools suspected for hunting purposes were also seized. The investigation is still under way." 

     The spokesman went on that there are wild populations of big-headed turtles and Reeve's turtles in Hong Kong. All local wild chelonians are protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). Since the suspect has indicated in a group chat of a messaging application that turtles were available for sale but did not reveal the sources of the turtles, the AFCD is also investigating along the direction of whether illegal hunting and possession of protected wild animals stipulated under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) is involved.

     The spokesman added, "Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction. The specimens will also be forfeited. In addition, the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170) also stipulates that unless otherwise permitted, no one shall hunt, wilfully disturb, buy, sell, export, offer for sale or export, possess or control protected wild animals (including all wild chelonians). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction."

     The spokesman said that the Government is committed to combatting illegal hunting of and trading in wild animals to protect local wild species and endangered species. The AFCD will continue to remain vigilant and monitor various platforms and social media, and proactively take action to deter illegal trade in wild fauna and flora species.

     The AFCD appeals to members of the public to call 2150 6978 or email espint@afcd.gov.hk to report any suspected illegal trading of endangered species.

            

     In view of the "Rainbow of Light Drone Light Gala" drone performance organised by the Home Affairs Department to be held on July 30 (Sunday), a number of sports and recreational facilities managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in Sha Tin District will be temporarily closed during specific time slots to ensure user safety.

     Starting from tonight (July 27), a series of rehearsals will be conducted in the District. In the event of inclement weather, the performance and rehearsals will be postponed. Details are as follows:
 

     For details, please refer to the notices at the venues or the LCSD's webpage: www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/facilities/facilitieslist.html.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) held a bilateral meeting in Riyadh on July 26 (Saudi Arabia time) to strengthen collaboration between the financial services sectors in the two jurisdictions. 

     During the meeting, the SAMA and the HKMA discussed a number of initiatives in four major areas, including financial infrastructure development, open market operations, market connectivity and sustainable development.

     The two authorities also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote joint deliberations in financial innovation.

     The MoU was signed by the Governor of the SAMA, Mr Ayman Alsayari and the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue at the SAMA's headquarters in Riyadh. Through this MoU, both parties aim to promote knowledge sharing in financial innovation and Fintech, focusing on emerging trends, best practices, regulatory issues, policies and legislations. The MoU will also accelerate collaborative efforts across the respective Fintech landscapes. Both authorities also took the opportunity to share their own experiences in research and innovation, highlighting the latest developments in areas such as supervision technologies (Suptech), tokenisation and payment infrastructure.

     The visit of the HKMA delegation to the SAMA has also enhanced the ongoing discussions between the two authorities on various fronts, including the experience sharing on monetary policy framework and sustainable finance. 

     The Governor of the SAMA, Mr Ayman Alsayari, said, "Saudi Arabia's financial sector is growing in size, with new entrants, new services, and new innovation each year, all supporting a diversified Saudi economy. As the Kingdom develops as a global Fintech hub, our links with other growing hubs become ever more important. HKMA is a longstanding partner of the Saudi Central Bank and also a leader in innovation. The MoU will support our relationship into the future, helping both authorities stay at the cutting edge and strengthening our ability to deal with mutual issues."

     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, , said, "There is huge potential for collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong in areas spanning across economy and trade, sustainable development, finance and Fintech. The MoU, in particular, will further enhance mutual co-operation as well as exchange of information and expertise between the SAMA and the HKMA in financial innovation and Fintech. We look forward to working with the SAMA to promote investment and financial market connectivity between the Middle East and Asia."

      

     Police today (July 27) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Kwai Chung.

     Li Yi-man, aged 25, went missing after she left her residence in Tai Wo Hau Estate in the small hours on July 13. Her family made a report to Police on July 24.

     She is about 1.6 metres tall, 43 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long straight brown hair.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1173 or 6595 5306 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

     â€‹The Home Affairs Department will continue to open 19 community halls/community centres as temporary heat shelters today (July 27).
 
     The temporary heat shelters will remain open for people to take refuge from the heat when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. From 10.30pm to 8am the next day, the temporary heat shelters will also provide bedding and a sleeping place for people in need. The shelters are manned by duty attendants.
 
     For further information, please call the department's hotline before midnight on 2572 8427.
 
     The heat shelters are located at:
 
Hong Kong Island:
———————
 
Central and Western –
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun

Eastern –
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay
 
Southern –
Wah Kwai Community Centre
Wah Kwai Estate, Kellett Bay
 
Wan Chai –
Wan Chai Activities Centre
LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai
 
Kowloon Districts:
——————
 
Kowloon City –
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices
42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom
 
Kwun Tong –
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin
 
Sham Shui Po –
Nam Cheong District Community Centre
1 Cheong San Lane, Sham Shui Po 

Wong Tai Sin –
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan
 
Yau Tsim Mong –
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
 
New Territories Districts:
————————–
 
Islands –
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung
 
Kwai Tsing –
Kwai Shing Community Hall
Podium, Block 6, Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Chung
 
North –
Cheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling
 
Sai Kung –
Hang Hau Community Hall
G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O
 
Sha Tin –
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
 
Tai Po –
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
 
Tsuen Wan –
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
 
Tuen Mun –
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun
 
Yuen Long –
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long

Yuen Long –
Tin Yiu Community Centre
Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai
 
     In addition to the above heat shelters, a number of community halls/community centres can also be used for taking refuge from the heat during their operating hours. For their address details, please browse the following document: www.had.gov.hk/file_manager/en/documents/public_services/emergency_services/List_CH_CC_Day_E.pdf.