The Government announced today (October 13) appointments to the Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel.
 
     Mr Chu Kin-wing and Miss Barbara Wong are reappointed as the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Panel respectively.
 
     In addition, six incumbent members, viz. Mr Chan Chi-ho, Mr Chau Chi-chung, Dr Chiu Man-ying, Mr Leung Chi-ho, Mr Leung Yat-cheong and Ms Daisy Mok Mo-kit have been reappointed while Ms Cindy Chan Chui-bik, Ms Roberta Veronica Cheung and Mr Jan Noel Shih have been newly appointed to the Panel.
 
     The tenure of their appointments is two years with effect from October 20, 2023.
 
     Established under section 14 of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, the Consumer Goods Safety Appeal Board Panel is responsible for hearing appeals against enforcement decisions or actions taken by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise under the Ordinance.
 
     The Panel's membership with effect from October 20, 2023, will be as follows:
 
Chairman
————
Mr Chu Kin-wing
 
Deputy Chairman
———————
Miss Barbara Wong
 
Members
———–
(1) Scientists or technologists with relevant expertise in consumer goods
 
Mr Chan Chi-ho
Dr Chiu Man-ying
Mr Leung Chi-ho
 
(2) Persons from the consumer goods industry
 
Mr Leung Yat-cheong
Ms Daisy Mok Mo-kit
Mr Jan Noel Shih
 
(3) General public
 
Ms Cindy Chan Chui-bik
Mr Chau Chi-chung
Ms Roberta Veronica Cheung

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 (October 13) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach, Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The Government intends to demolish the existing Yung Shue O Jetty and construct a new pier within an area of approximately 1.09 hectares of foreshore and seabed to the southwest of Yung Shue O. The extent of the area of foreshore and seabed affected is described in a notice gazetted today (October 13).

     The proposed works, scheduled to commence as early as the second half of 2025 for completion in approximately one and a half year, will provide additional berths and barrier-free facilities to enhance convenience and safety of pier users while boarding and alighting. During the construction stage, a temporary pier will be provided at the site for public use.

     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection by the public at:

* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);
* Tai Po Home Affairs Enquiry Centre of the Tai Po District Office (G/F, Tai Po Government Offices Building, 1 Ting Kok Road, Tai Po, New Territories); and
* Lands Department's website (www.landsd.gov.hk) under Government Notices.

     Any person who considers that he or she has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the gazette date, i.e. on or before December 13. The notice of such an objection shall describe the interest, right or easement of the objector and the manner in which he or she will be allegedly affected.

     The Government announced today (October 13) that the Chief Executive, on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, has re-appointed Mr Justice Poon Siu-tung, a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court, as a Panel Judge under the Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance (Chapter 589) (the Ordinance) for another term of three years from October 25, 2023 to October 24, 2026.
 
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "I am grateful to Mr Justice Poon Siu-tung for his full dedication in handling the law enforcement agencies' applications for authorisations under the Ordinance during the past three years. I am confident that he, on re-appointment, will continue to work with the other two Panel Judges, Mr Justice Barnabas Fung Wah and Madam Justice Lisa Wong Kwok-ying, to make use of their expertise and experience to ensure the effective operation of the regulatory regime under the Ordinance."
 
     The Ordinance provides a comprehensive statutory framework for regulating the conduct of interception and covert surveillance by law enforcement agencies, and aims to strike a balance between maintaining law and order and protecting the privacy rights of individuals. Under the Ordinance, Panel Judges shall consider applications for authorisations of interception and Type 1 surveillance and for device retrieval warrants.

Attention TV and radio duty announcers:
 
     Please broadcast the following special announcement as soon as possible, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     A fire broke out at a recycling site at Wong Chuk Yuen in Pat Heung at 9.56pm today (October 12). The Fire Services Department is conducting a firefighting operation. 

     Members of the public who are being affected by the smoke and an unusual odour carried by the wind are advised to close their doors and windows and stay calm.