Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting today (June 24).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles

     The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund's roving interactive exhibition, which is installed in a truck, raises awareness of the difficult lives faced by the underprivileged.

     News.gov.hk spoke with people who visited the truck, called the Social Innovation Flow, to see how it helps spark new ideas in tackling poverty by having visitors wear rigid gloves and blurry goggles to experience the world as a senior citizen or as someone who is visually impaired.

     The story appears on news.gov.hk today (June 24) in text and video format.

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 (June 24) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Islands District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at these beaches/the beach.

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session after attending Fight Drugs Together 2018 today (June 23):

Reporter: Many constructions of Leighton have many problems. Does that mean Leighton has some trust problems, or this company is no longer trustworthy?

Acting Chief Executive: As I said a few days ago at a function,  the Development Bureau has already asked Leighton (Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited) to produce evidence and information, particularly about its works in respect of the Hung Hom MTR Station of the Shatin-Central Line. And also of course in respect of the excavation work, the support work in connection with the Exhibition Station, the Development Bureau will also ask them to provide the report within a certain time frame. So we are following up on the general performance of Leighton in respect of government contracts. Of course, the question of responsibility in respect of Hung Hom Station must be left to the independent statutory Commission of Inquiry that will be set up soon.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, today (June 23) officiated at the opening ceremony of the large-scale anti-drug event Fight Drugs Together 2018, launching this year's territory-wide campaign against drugs.

     The event was jointly organised by the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) to tie in with the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, appeal to the public to clearly understand the harms of drug abuse, and rally community support for a drug-free society.

     More than 1 300 young people and guests including students, members of Junior Police Call and uniformed groups and representatives of non-governmental organisations, district bodies and social services groups from the anti-drug sector and the education sector attended the event at MacPherson Stadium today. Supporting the theme of the event, the participants committed themselves to standing firm against drugs.

      Mr Cheung said, "The Government is committed to combat drug abuse problem. Our anti-drug policy is embodied in the 'five-pronged' strategy, namely preventive education and publicity, treatment and rehabilitation, legislation and law enforcement, external co-operation and research. At the same time, we have also strengthened preventive measures and further encouraged people with drug problems to seek help with a view to reducing drug-related offences. Over the past few years, Hong Kong has made substantial progress in its anti-drug efforts."

     To encourage young people to pursue healthy hobbies and enhance their ability to cope with adversity, teams of youngsters including uniformed marching bands, a freestyle football team and a juggling team, were invited to perform at the event. Artistes Steven Ma, Pakho Chau, AGA, Cherry Ngan, pop band ToNick, fencer Kaylin Hsieh and football freestyler Lyson Sze also joined the occasion and encouraged young people to develop a healthy lifestyle, stay away from drugs and pass on anti-drug messages to their friends.

     Concluding the event, Mr Cheung was joined by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee and other guests, and led the participants to chant the anti-drug slogan, showing united anti-drug determination.

     A new TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) was premiered at the ceremony, which highlights the fact that the drugs "Ice" and cocaine are addictive and can cause irreversible health damage including mania, depression and delirium. The API seeks to impress upon members of the public, especially the younger generation, that taking drugs may cost a person's life and injure family relationships, health, careers and education. It also encourages those with drug problems to seek help early. The new TV API and the corresponding radio API will be broadcast from tonight. Related advertisements will also be placed on public transportation networks, in entertainment venues and on popular websites, mobile applications and social media platforms.

     The event today marked the official launch of the territory-wide anti-drug campaign. A series of anti-drug programmes organised in partnership with RTHK and other media and anti-drug bodies will be rolled out from the summer holidays onwards. 

     Other officiating guests at today's event included the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Sonny Au; the Acting Permanent Secretary for Security, Ms Mimi Lee; the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Preventive Education and Publicity, Dr Tik Chi-yuen; the Chairman of the ACAN Sub-committee on Treatment and Rehabilitation, Dr Susan Fan; the Director of Broadcasting, Mr Leung Ka-wing; and the Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Manda Chan.