The Government announced today (June 25) the "Agri enJoy" Scheme to facilitate farms engaged in commercial agricultural production, with a view to promoting the development of leisure farming in Hong Kong.

     A Government spokesman said, "The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has launched the 'Agri enJoy' Scheme to enable farms engaged in commercial agricultural production to operate agriculture-related ancillary businesses, so as to increase their income and promote their agricultural products. Members of the public will also get a chance to experience and learn more about agricultural production. The Scheme is a highlighted measure under the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries for promoting leisure farming."

     Participating farms of the Scheme may operate ancillary businesses including preparation of light meals with self-grown crops and non-flame cooking, provision of "pick-your-own crops" activities, on-farm sale of self-grown crops, and on-farm activities, including guided tours and farming experiences or workshops, which aim at promoting farming education, with a view to creating diverse, enriched and unique visiting experiences for members of the public and visitors to enjoy leisure farming.

     Relevant departments have reviewed the regulations concerned and lifted restrictions to facilitate the development of the trade. According to the revised Definition of Terms used in Statutory Plans promulgated by the Town Planning Board, planning permission is not required for "Agri enJoy" farms to undertake ancillary activities directly related to commercial crop farming and aquaculture endorsed by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation at sites permitted for "Agricultural Use" under the provisions of the relevant statutory plan.

     Furthermore, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, taking into consideration the unique environment of such farms, and without compromising food safety and environmental hygiene, has drawn up a set of relaxed requirements for food business licences.  

     The spokesman noted that the AFCD will enhance promotion and introduction of "Agri enJoy" farms through various channels, such as websites and social media platforms. The AFCD will also continue to organise large-scale events, such as the annual FarmFest and other fishermen and farmers' markets, to assist "Agri enJoy" farms in promoting their agriculture-related ancillary businesses.

     The "Agri enJoy" Scheme and related food business licences are now open for applications. Eligibility for application and other details can be found on the following website: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/LF/LF.html.

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 of China (Hong Kong) Limited relating to phishing emails, which have 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 emails 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.

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 25) investigating a case of suspected mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.

     A 50-year-old male developed dizziness, vomiting and shortness of breath around 30 minutes after consuming honey yesterday (June 24). He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on the same day and was admitted for treatment due to hypotension and bradycardia. The patient was in stable condition. His clinical diagnosis was suspected mad honey poisoning.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient consumed honey brought to Hong Kong by a friend from Nepal. The poisoning might have been caused by grayanotoxin. Investigations are ongoing.

     "Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins which can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur," a spokesman for the CHP explained.

     Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:

• Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary;
• Discard honey with a bitter or astringent taste – grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat; and
• Pay special attention to honey from India, Nepal and the Black Sea region of Türkiye as there have been grayanotoxin poisoning cases connected with honey from these areas.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     Exchange Fund Bills tender results:
 

 
*"Pro rata ratio" refers to the average percentage of allotment with respect to each tender participant’s tendered amount at the "highest yield accepted" level.

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     Hong Kong Monetary Authority tenders to be held in the week beginning July 1, 2024:
 

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:
 
     The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 10 841 complaints and suggestions in the first quarter of 2024, with 260 being pure suggestions.
      
     The complaints and suggestions received during the quarter were mostly related to public transport services (88 per cent), enforcement matters (7 per cent) and traffic conditions (4 per cent).
      
     The number of cases on public transport services increased from 9 448 in the previous quarter to 9 577 this quarter, while that on illegal parking and other enforcement matters decreased from 764 to 727. The number of complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions decreased from 529 to 447 and that on road maintenance decreased from 37 to 30.
      
     All complaints and suggestions received by the TCU in the quarter were referred to the relevant government departments and public transport operators for follow-up action.
      
     During the period under review, investigations into 7 409 cases were completed. Of these, 6 646 cases (90 per cent) were found to be substantiated, two cases (less than 1 per cent) were unsubstantiated, and the remaining 761 cases (10 per cent) could not be pursued due to lack of evidence.
      
     For the substantiated cases, the relevant government departments and public transport operators have either taken steps to rectify the situation or are considering possible solutions to the problems identified. Among these cases, 41 drivers were summonsed by Police.
      
     During the quarter, the relevant government departments and public transport operators took on board 11 suggestions made by the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases is in the Appendix.
 
       Members of the public may make their suggestions or complaints to the TCU by dialling the hotline 2889 9999 (voice mail service is available outside office hours), by fax to 2577 1858, by email to info@tcu.gov.hk or by filling in a form on the TCU website (www.tcu.gov.hk).