Author Archives: hksar gov

     A female director of a chain education centre was sentenced to 240 hours of community service order today (December 23) at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts for engaging in wrongly accepting payment when selling tutorial programmes, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). The female director was also ordered by the court to make a compensation of about $70,000 to the victims of the case.

     Hong Kong Customs in July 2023 received numerous complaints alleging that a chain education centre suddenly announced business closures of five branches, failing to provide prepaid tutorial programmes purchased by and arrange refunds to customers.

     After an investigation, Customs found that the some branches of the education centre were in arrears with rent and salaries. However, they still accepted payments for prepaid programmes even anticipating that they would be unable to continue operating.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Traders should not accept advance payments from consumers if they are uncertain whether the pertinent services can be delivered to consumers within a specific or reasonable time. Consumers are also reminded to procure services at reputable shops and think prudently before making decisions regarding consumption by prepayment. After purchasing services, consumers should keep the transaction receipts and related records, which can become basic information in case a complaint is lodged in the future.
      
     Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence if at the time of acceptance of payment, the trader intends not to supply the product or there are no reasonable grounds for believing that the trader will be able to supply the product within a specified or reasonable period. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002). read more

     Thirty-nine convictions were recorded in November 2024 for breaches of legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Department.        Two of the convictions were under the Air Pollution Control Ordinan… read more

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (December 23) appealed to members of the public to keep venues clean and mind their safety while celebrating Christmas.

      The LCSD will work with other government departments to implement a series of measures over Christmas (December 24 to 26) to maintain cleanliness and safety at LCSD venues, especially at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza, Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Middle Road Children’s Playground, Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden and Urban Council Centenary Garden along the Kowloon waterfront, where large crowds are expected.

      An LCSD spokesman said, “In crowded areas, people should remain calm and take care of their own safety.”

      The public announcement systems at the HKCC will also broadcast anti-littering and crowd management messages in Cantonese, Putonghua and English on a regular basis during the holidays. Crowd control measures will be implemented at the HKCC Piazza, Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade based on actual conditions. Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the announcements, follow the instructions of the duty personnel and mind their safety. read more

     The Labour Department (LD) is investigating a fatal work accident that happened in Sheung Shui this morning (December 23) in which a man died.      The LD immediately deployed staff to the scene upon rece… read more

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural… read more