In response to the Japanese Government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
 
     For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt, and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
 
     As the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water is unprecedented and will continue for 30 years or more, the Government will closely monitor and step up the testing arrangements. Should anomalies be detected, the Government does not preclude further tightening the scope of the import ban.
 
     From noon on December 29 to noon today (January 2), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 261 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt" category, in the past four days (including last Saturday, Sunday and this Monday). No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS's thematic website titled "Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan" (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).
 
     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
 
     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO's website
(www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
 
     From August 24 to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 22 915 samples of food imported from Japan (including 15 291 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 6 516 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests.
 

     Entering 2024, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) has launched its WeChat official account today (January 2) to further enhance the department's communication and connectivity with residents of Hong Kong, the Mainland and other regions to help prepare for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong in 2025.
 
     Following the launch of its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/watersavedave.hk), Instagram account (www.instagram.com/watersavedave.hk/) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@wsdgovhk5392), the WSD launched its WeChat official account to disseminate the latest information on the WSD's multifaceted work, promote the professional image of the WSD and allow members of the public to better grasp useful information on water services. It is also hoped that the WeChat official account will disseminate information about the WSD to a wider degree among residents of Hong Kong, the Mainland and other regions.
 
     Members of the public are welcome to view, follow and share the information of the WSD's WeChat official account through the QR code.

  

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 Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. relating to a fraudulent website, which has been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.

     The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

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 (January 2) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     There was a power supply incident in areas in Tsuen Wan, Kwai Chung and Tsing Yi at around 3.13pm today (January 1). In accordance with the established mechanism, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) received the report on the incident from CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) at around 3.31pm. According to CLP's report, a fault occurred in CLP's Nga Ying Chau Street Substation, and automatic protection system immediately isolated the faulty part. No electricity shortage was found. However, short voltage dips were resulted from the incident and nearby electricity customers may experience dimming or flicking in lighting system; some electrical installations sensitive to voltage changes, such as elevator, may stop operations due to the activation of protection system. 

     Subsequently, the EMSD has immediately followed up with CLP on the development of the incident, and monitored the progress of repair work. The EMSD has also requested CLP to identify the cause of the incident and submit a detailed report on the incident within four weeks. The EMSD will continue to closely follow up with CLP and urge CLP to take appropriate follow up and improvement measures.
      
     According to the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406) (the Ordinance), the EMSD monitors the operation of the power companies to ensure a safe and reliable supply of electricity in Hong Kong. The Ordinance stipulates the powers and obligations of electricity suppliers, including, in the case of an electrical accident, providing the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services a report of the cause and what remedial action has been, or will be done, to prevent a recurrence of the accident. The EMSD has been maintaining close communication with the power companies and conducts regular meetings to discuss the safety of the power supply facilities.