Hong Kong Customs detected two smuggling endangered species cases at Hong Kong International Airport between January 26 and 27. A total of about 230 grams of tiger teeth, about 128g of pangolin meat and 64 live turtles, all suspected to be scheduled endangered species, were seized. The total estimated market value was about $700,000. A man and a woman were arrested.

     The first case involved a 50-year-old transit male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Nigeria via Ethiopia and planned to take the cross-boundary ferry to Shekou on January 26. When Customs officers conducted examination of the man's baggage at the SkyPier Terminal in the airport, the batch of tiger teeth and pangolin meat with a total estimated market value of $50,000 was found inside his check-in baggage. Tiger teeth and pangolin meat are specimens of endangered species listed in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Ordinance) (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong.

     The second case involved a 45-year-old female passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Tokyo, Japan, yesterday (January 27). During customs clearance, the batch of live turtles, which was suspected to be scheduled endangered species listed under the Ordinance, was found in her check-in suitcase. The estimated market value of the turtles was about $650,000.

     Both cases have been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action. The arrested man has been charged with one count of exporting specimens of Appendix I species not under and in accordance with an export licence, whereas the arrested woman has been charged with one count of importing specimens of Appendix II species not under and in accordance with an import licence. The duo will separately appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on Monday (January 29).

     Hong Kong Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.

     Under the Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years on conviction with the specimens forfeited.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 28) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza. The 2023/24 seasonal influenza vaccination programmes have started and the CHP appealed to members of the public to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to better protect themselves in the coming influenza season.

     The case involves a 4-year-old boy with good past health. He developed fever and cough since January 26 and consulted a private doctor. He sought medical attention at a private hospital due to worsened symptoms yesterday (January 27) and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of Prince of Wales Hospital for management on the same day. His respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy. He is now in serious condition.

     Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his home contacts is currently symptomatic. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

     A spokesman for the CHP said, "Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on the CHP's website."

     A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses and note the following:

• Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
• For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when visiting public places. The public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
• Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
• When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
• Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
• Maintain good indoor ventilation;
• When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
• Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

     â€‹The public may visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information. 

     The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, attended the Educa, an education exhibition, in Helsinki, Finland, on January 26 (Helsinki time) and spoke at a topical discussion. She also visited Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, the largest university of applied sciences (UAS) in Finland, to exchange views on the development of UASs.

     The Educa is the largest event for the education and training sector in Finland with an aim of addressing global education challenges. At the topical discussion, Dr Choi discussed the role of education for the future with the State Secretary to the Minister of Education of Finland, Ms Mikaela Nylander, and representatives of the academic sector in Finland. She said that, to achieve the objective of whole-person development, Hong Kong's education not only equips students with skills and knowledge, but also focuses on honing student's generic skills, strengthening their resilience and responsiveness, and developing their proper values and attitudes and "learning to learn" capabilities for becoming a lifelong learner with self-learning abilities to cope with challenges in the future and from unknown quarters. In addition, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education is an important element in the curriculum of Hong Kong primary and secondary schools.

     She pointed out that in the globalised world of the 21st century, governments, policymakers, educators and communities from different parts of the world should work together, through communications, exchange of good practices, sharing of resources, etc, to overcome various challenges and create a quality education environment for students.

     Dr Choi also visited Metropolia University of Applied Sciences to learn about its role and development as a UAS, efforts in promoting vocational and professional education and training (VPET), and experience in nurturing applied science talent to meet the needs of the society. She hoped that her visit could help pave the way for cooperation between the university and the UAS to be established in Hong Kong in the near future.

     In addition, Dr Choi met the State Secretary to the Minister of Education of Finland, Ms Mikaela Nylander, and exchanged views on fostering education collaboration between Hong Kong and Finland. She said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strives to build Hong Kong into an international education hub. Finnish teachers and students are welcomed to undertake exchange and study programmes in Hong Kong.

     On January 27 (Helsinki time), Dr Choi paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Finland, Mr Wang Tongqing, to brief him on the latest education developments in Hong Kong. On the same day, she visited the Finnish National Agency for Education to listen to an introduction by its representatives on the characteristics of the basic education and VPET in Finland. In addition, she met Hong Kong students attending an exchange programme at the University of Helsinki to learn about their learning experience there.

     Dr Choi to conclude her visit on January 28 (Helsinki time).

          

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:

     The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (January 30) to consider four applications for transfer and renewal of liquor licences.

     The applications are (not in order of discussion):
 
Kowloon:
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Gyukaku Japanese Yakiniku Restaurant in Kwun Tong

Hing Kee Restaurant in Yau Ma Tei

New Territories:
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Cheung Kee Restaurant in Sai Kung

"Brother Restaurant" in Tsuen Wan

     The board will also consider revocation of the liquor licences of Les Pucelles in Tai Hang and Magic Lantern Grill in Mong Kok.

     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

     The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, will leave for Singapore tomorrow afternoon (January 29) for a duty visit.

     Mr Lam will pay visits to the local transport and logistics facilities, including ports, Singapore Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal and Changi Airport, to learn about their operations. He will also have a tour to the Intelligent Transport Systems Centre and meet with Singapore officials and trade representatives to make exchanges on relevant issues.

     Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on Thursday (February 1). During his absence, the Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, will be the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics.