Author Archives: hksar gov

     â€‹The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government held the Enterprise Participation in Northern Metropolis Development Event today (November 29) to encourage local, Mainland and overseas enterprises to support and participate in the Northern Metropolis development. The Event received guidance from the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and was supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG).
      
     This morning, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, led a delegation of enterprise representatives on a visit to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Loop and the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area to understand their latest planning and developments, and to learn about the three large-scale land disposal pilot areas in the Northern Metropolis. The Government will openly invite enterprises next month to express their interest in the three large-scale land disposal pilot projects. The Government will finalise the tender terms after considering feedback from the market.
      
     In the afternoon, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, hosted a luncheon at the Central Government Offices for enterprise representatives. This was followed by a signing ceremony attended by over 80 enterprise representatives. Witnessed by Mr Lee and the Director of the LOCPG, Mr Zheng Yanxiong, etc, a Memorandum of Understanding about supporting and participating in the Northern Metropolis development was signed. During the ceremony, 35 of the enterprise representatives also signed agreements among them to collaborate in the Northern Metropolis development, with a total investment of over $100 billion.
      
     Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Lee remarked that as a new engine for Hong Kong’s growth, the Northern Metropolis can complement the high-quality integration of Hong Kong with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, offering quality business opportunities for all. Mr Lee highlighted the Government’s commitment to leading all sectors of the community and the market to participate in expediting the Northern Metropolis development. Mr Lee encouraged enterprises to actively participate in land development and other commercial, innovation and technology industry projects in the Northern Metropolis, including the new large-scale land disposal development approach, thereby delivering the visions of the Northern Metropolis project collectively in creating a bright future. 
      
     Representatives of the HKSAR Government attending the Event today also included the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong.

read more

     Hong Kong Customs held a Canine, Enforcement and Detection Capacity Building Workshop from November 26 to 29. Thirty-seven representatives from members of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, mainly dog handlers, dog instructors and frontline officers responsible for customs clearance duties, were invited to participate in the workshop. The workshop concluded today (November 29).

     Recent recognition as a Regional Dog Training Centre (RDTC) by the WCO in June 2023 solidified Hong Kong Customs’ position as a leader in canine enforcement in the A/P region, underlining the department’s dedication to providing professional canine training and support to WCO members. 

     The workshop was the first canine-themed capacity building event held after the 6th WCO Global Canine Forum that was organised in March this year. Key agenda items included a series of presentations and discussions focusing on best practices in canine enforcement, training and breeding, and visiting facilities of Hong Kong Customs. Participants shared experiences on emerging smuggling trends and challenges, and explored innovative initiatives and operational strategies to enhance their canine professionalism and enforcement capacity. They also visited the newly established RDTC of Hong Kong Customs and enjoyed dog demonstrations, gaining insights into the achievements and latest developments of the Hong Kong Customs Canine Force.

     The four-day workshop yielded fruitful results. Members not only benefited from the practical knowledge and invaluable insights, but also built up partnerships and connections with their neighbouring canine enforcement counterparts that will help to strengthen their own canine forces and bolster collective efforts in combating transnational smuggling activities.

read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 29) investigating a case of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) in United Christian Hospital (UCH).

     The male patient, aged 75 with underlying illnesses, was first admitted to the UCH on October 5. After being transferred to Haven of Hope Hospital on October 9, he was re-admitted to UCH on November 12. He developed desaturation and pneumonia on November 23. His condition deteriorated and he eventually succumbed on November 25.

     His sputum specimen tested positive for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 DNA upon laboratory testing. As the patient had been admitted to UCH throughout the incubation period, it was initially suspected to be a nosocomial infection.

     “Epidemiological investigations with the UCH are ongoing to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any. Relevant water samples and environmental swabs have been collected from potential sources for laboratory testing,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

    The CHP and the UCH are working together in tracing contacts including staff and in-patients in the relevant ward, and those identified will be put under medical surveillance. The CHP has provided health advice against LD to staff and in-patients, including those with weakened immunity who should use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing. The CHP has immediately requested suspension of affected outlets in the ward until installation of effective water filters against legionella at the concerned outlets. The water supply system of the subject ward will be disinfected urgently. The investigation is ongoing.

     Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus which support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.
 
     Immunocompromised persons should:
      

• Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
• Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices. A shower may also generate small aerosols; and
• If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily. 

     
     The public should observe the health advice below:
 

• Observe personal hygiene;
• Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
• Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
• If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
• Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
• Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
• When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes: 

1. Wear gloves and a face mask;
2. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
3. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
4. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
5. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

     â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD. read more

     The Department of Health (DH) today (November 29) conducted a joint operation with the Police at a premises in Sai Ying Pun suspected of illegal sale of Part 1 Poison and unregistered pharmaceutical product, and arrested a man aged 66 years for suspected illegal sale of Part 1 poison and unregistered pharmaceutical product. The DH appealed to the public not to buy or consume an oral product labelled “TIAN MA TU CHUNG SEVEN LEAVE GINSENG” as shown in the photo, as it is suspected of containing undeclared controlled drug ingredients.

     “The DH received information that a premises of Listed Seller of Poisons (commonly known as medicine store) in Sai Ying Pun was suspected of selling the above product and immediately took follow-up action by purchasing a product sample from the premises concerned for analysis. The laboratory test results revealed that the product sample contained diclofenac, terbinafine and paracetamol. The first two substances are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO), while paracetamol, when contained in pharmaceutical products, is Part 2 poison under the PPO. The product is also suspected of being an unregistered pharmaceutical product,” a spokesman for the DH said.

     The DH will continue to follow up and investigate the incident.

     Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain relieve. Its side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and peptic ulcer. Terbinafine is an antifungal drug. Its side effects include nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Products containing diclofenac and terbinafine for oral consumption are prescription medicines that should only be used under a doctor’s directions and be supplied in the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (i.e. pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription. On the other hand, paracetamol is for pain relieve and an antipyretic. Overdose can result in severe liver damage. Pharmaceutical products containing paracetamol are Part 2 poisons that should only be supplied in a pharmacy or medicine store.

     “According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons, and illegal sale of Part 2 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice on prosecution matters and will also refer the case to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong for any necessary disciplinary action,” the spokesman said.

     The DH spokesman strongly urged members of the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

     “People who have purchased the product concerned should stop consuming it immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or if they feel unwell after consumption. They may submit the product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-06, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal,” the spokesman said.

read more

     The MiMEP Symposium 2024, co-organised by the Architectural Services Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, was held at the Hong Kong Science Park today (November 29). With the theme “MiMEP and High Productivity Construction Lead the Future”, the symposium attracted around 800 attendees, including representatives from the Government, contractors, suppliers, consultants, academics and professional institutions.
      
     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Development, Mr David Lam, said that Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) technology combines advanced engineering, digital and automation technologies, which not only embodies the realisation of technological innovation but also enhances production efficiency and product quality. This aligns perfectly with the national strategic goal of accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. Promoting high-quality development requires the concerted effort of the entire society. This symposium provided an opportunity for industry partners to exchange experiences and insights on the adoption of MiMEP.
      
     The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said in his keynote speech that the Government adopts step-by-step policy directions to promote the adoption of MiMEP by the industry through pilot schemes, incentives and mandatory measures. At present, numerous public and private projects have adopted MiMEP on a pilot basis. The Government will continue to provide incentives such as subsidies under the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund and floor area concessions, and will issue technical circulars to mandate the adoption of MiMEP for designated buildings under the Government’s Capital Works Programme, with a view to enhancing productivity in the construction industry, project quality and site safety, as well as lowering construction costs.
      
     MiMEP employs the modular integrated method in a factory to assemble multi-trade electrical, mechanical and plumbing (MEP) components into a single assembly module, which is then transported to a construction site and combined with other modules to complete the installation of MEP trades in an effective and efficient manner. The adoption of this technology can streamline work procedures and reduce installation time on-site effectively, help alleviate labour shortages in the construction industry, reduce the impact on the installation process due to weather conditions and site constraints, and further improve construction site safety and project quality.
      
     The symposium featured thematic presentations on the application of MiMEP technology and related exhibition booths, showcasing the merits of applying the technology in new and existing buildings, infrastructure and district cooling systems, as well as relevant requirements, floor area concessions and more.

read more