â€‹The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, will depart for Jakarta in Indonesia this Friday morning (August 17). He will take part in events of the 18th Asian Games and show support for Hong Kong athletes.

     During his visit in Jakarta, Mr Lau will call on the athletes' village to learn about the situation of the Hong Kong delegation and meet with Hong Kong athletes. He will attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games and watch competitions in which Hong Kong athletes participate.

     Mr Lau will return to Hong Kong on August 21. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (August 14) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Deep Water Bay Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach, South Bay Beach, Chung Hom Kok Beach, St Stephen's Beach, Stanley Main Beach, Turtle Cove Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Hung Shing Yeh Beach, Lo So Shing Beach, Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach, Pui O Beach, Upper Cheung Sha Beach, Lower Cheung Sha Beach and Tong Fuk Beach in Islands District; Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

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 Services Department announced today (August 14) that as lifeguards are unable to go to Hap Mun Bay Beach, Kiu Tsui Beach and Trio Beach in Sai Kung District by ferries due to rough sea condition, lifesaving services at these beaches have been suspended until further notice.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches until further notice.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Civil Engineering and Development Department today (August 14) announced that as Strong Wing Signal No. 3 has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Mui Wo Temporary Public Fill Reception Facility has been closed at 8.30am until further notice.

     Hongkong Post announced today (August 14) that selected philatelic products issued by the postal administrations of the Mainland, Macao, Australia, France, Isle of Man, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United Nations will be put on sale at 38 philatelic offices from August 16. These products will also be available at the Hongkong Post online shopping mall ShopThruPost (mall.hongkongpost.hk) starting from 8am on the same day.
 
     Details of the philatelic products, the selling prices and the sales quota for each customer are listed in the Appendix. Pictures showing these philatelic products are attached.
 
     Further information about these products can be obtained from the Hongkong Post Stamps website at stamps.hongkongpost.hk or by calling the Hongkong Post Philatelic Bureau hotline 2785 5711.