The Environment and Ecology Bureau is very concerned about the voltage dip incident occurred at CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP)'s 400kV overhead line power supply system connecting Yuen Long and Shenzhen in the early morning today (June 23). 

     Previously, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology indicated that CLP needed to examine its company culture and management system for the entire power supply system to identify the root causes of the problem, make fundamental improvements to reduce the chances of similar incidents in the future, and maintain the stable and reliable power supply that Hong Kong has always been proud of. He also requested CLP to allocate resources for an independent consultant and the independent consultant would be engaged by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), to conduct a re-examination of all voltage dips and power supply interruption incidents that occurred in the past three years, conduct a comprehensive review of the management system, provide comprehensive recommendations on how to enhance the stability and reliability of the power supply, and reduce the chances of similar incidents in the future. It was required to complete the tasks and submit a report within 12 months.

     According to CLP, it was suspected that this voltage dip incident occurred during Thunderstorm Warning, under which the 400kV overhead power supply system was affected by the unstable weather. The Secretary for Environment and Ecology was of the view that CLP should not wait until the completion of the review for its result, but should enhance the capability of power supply system, particularly the lightning protection capability of 400 kV overhead line towers, as soon as possible to withstand the impact of inclement weather, and hence has instructed the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services to follow up the matter with CLP immediately with a view to reducing the risk brought about by the high frequency of Thunderstorm Warnings during these few months.

     EMSD has requested CLP to identify the cause of the power supply incident as soon as possible, formulate improvement plans and submit a detailed report within four weeks in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance (Cap. 406).

     â€‹Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 22) seized a total of about 36 kilograms of assorted drugs with a total estimated market value of $28 million. Two women and one man, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested.

     During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in the vicinity of Sheung Shui yesterday, Customs officers suspected a residential unit was being used for drug trafficking activities. Customs officers therefore raided the unit and seized a total of about 36 kg of assorted drugs, including about 17 kg of suspected cocaine, about 8 kg of suspected crack cocaine, about 6 kg of suspected cannabis buds and about 5 kg of suspected 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The estimated market value of the drugs seized amounted to about $28 million. A batch of suspected chemicals and suspected drug paraphernalia were also seized at the scene.

     Two women and one man, aged between 23 and 25, were arrested by Customs officers at the scene.

     The three arrested persons have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (June 24).

     The department will continue to strengthen intelligence exchange and co-operation with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agents to combat drug trafficking activities on all fronts.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

  

     â€‹As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
      
     Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
      
     The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
      
     A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work" to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees' risk of heat stroke.
      
     Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
      
     The LD issued the "Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work", detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers' and employees' reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department's thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm.

The following is issued on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Board:
     
     The Liquor Licensing Board will meet on Tuesday (June 25) to consider an application for transfer of liquor licence.

     The application is:

Kowloon:
———–
Kichi Japanese Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui 

     The board will also consider revocation of the liquor licence of Maruju Aburi Farm in Mong Kok.

     The meeting will be held at 9.45am in the conference room, Room 102, 1/F, 258 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai. Members of the public are welcome to attend.
      

     â€‹The Community Cultural Ambassador Scheme sponsors local artists to bring performing arts to the community. In 2024, the scheme is prioritising the selection of youth arts groups.

     News.gov.hk spoke to a representative of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to learn more about the aim of the scheme, while one of the Community Cultural Ambassadors shared their experience.

     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature today (June 23) in text and video format.