The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The "HKMC Annuity Plan" introduced by the HKMC Annuity Limited (HKMCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited, will start to accept registration of subscription intention tomorrow from Hong Kong permanent residents aged 65 years or above. 
      
     The registration period will be opened from July 19 to August 8, 2018.   Applicants can obtain or submit the "Subscription Intention Forms" at any one of the Agent Banks' designated branches*.  They can also register online their intent to subscribe for the plan at the HKMCA website (www.hkmca.hk).
      
     The applicants are not required to pay premium at this stage but will need to fill in the "Subscription Intention Forms" with some basic personal information, the intended subscription amount and choose three intended Agent Banks which will assist in completing the application procedures in the next stage. 
      
     *The list of designated branches of the Agent Banks participating in the distribution of the HKMC Annuity Plan can be found at the HKMCA website (www.hkmca.hk).

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited on phishing emails, which has been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the email concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the email should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 17) seized 489 suspected smuggled computer central processing units (CPUs), 381 suspected smuggled computer RAM units and 188 suspected smuggled smartphones respectively at Sha Tau Kok Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Control Point and Shenzhen Bay Control Point with an estimated market value of about $1.5 million in total.

     Customs officers yesterday intercepted three outgoing private vehicles at Sha Tau Kok Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Control Point and Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized the computer CPUs, computer RAM and smartphones respectively from the false compartments of the three vehicles. The three male drivers, aged 46, 50 and 55, and a 62-year-old male passenger were arrested.

     Investigations are ongoing.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

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

      

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 (July 18) that the lifesaving services at Hap Mun Bay Beach, Kiu Tsui Beach and Trio Beach in Sai Kung District have resumed. The lifesaving services at the three beaches were suspended earlier on as lifeguards were unable to go to the beaches by ferries due to rough sea conditions.

     However, due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach and Kiu Tsui Beach. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beaches.

     The Department of Justice (DoJ) is today (July 18) leading a delegation of the legal and arbitration sectors on a visit to Guangzhou, Zhaoqing and Foshan for three days. The visit is aimed at promoting Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and the coming fifth Hong Kong Legal Services Forum, to be held in Guangzhou on September 5.

     The Forum, with the theme of "From Bay Area to International Arena", seeks to promote the legal and dispute resolution services of Hong Kong to enterprises and other service users in the Mainland. It is part of the DoJ's ongoing effort to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.

     The delegation, led by the Deputy Solicitor General (Policy Affairs), Ms Lee Sau-kong, comprises representatives of the Hong Kong Bar Association, the Law Society of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission Hong Kong Arbitration Center, the China Maritime Arbitration Commission Hong Kong Arbitration Center and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. These organisations are also co-organisers of the Forum.

     "Riding on the opportunities presented by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, we wish to introduce Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services to the legal sector and enterprises in Guangdong Province. The legal sectors and enterprises from both sides can share their experience and explore further opportunities for co-operation," Ms Lee said.

     During the three-day visit, the delegation will meet with relevant government officials and representatives of legal bodies and Mainland enterprises.

     Experienced Hong Kong legal practitioners and dispute resolution experts will explore various issues in the forum in September and enhance exchange and co-operation with their counterparts as well as enterprises in Guangdong Province.