A spokesman for the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (June 17) that the operating hours for fresh produce imported via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) will be extended with effect from July 1 (Monday) to further facilitate the trade and supply of fresh food.

     Having discussed with Mainland authorities and the trade, the CFS decided to extend the operating hours from the existing eight hours to 16 hours (i.e. from 1pm to 5am the next day) for fresh produce to be imported through the HZMB into Hong Kong, with effect from July 1. Vehicles carrying frozen and chilled poultry, meat and game, eggs, milk, fresh aquatic products, vegetables and fruits by land from the Mainland may choose to enter Hong Kong via the HZMB during the abovementioned period for inspection by CFS staff.

     The inspection procedures by the CFS at the Hong Kong Port of the HZMB will be similar to those for vehicles importing fresh produce via the Man Kam To Boundary Control Point, including examining details of import documents, conducting physical inspections and sampling of fresh food for testing.

     The spokesman stressed that the operating hours and arrangements of goods vehicles carrying fresh produce and live food animals entering Hong Kong via the Man Kam To Boundary Control Point have not changed.

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     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
 
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 17) that according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department, the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index of Ting Kau Beach in Tsuen Wan District is 4, which means the water quality is "Very Poor". The red flag has been hoisted and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

     Two co-owners were convicted and each fined $18,530 at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts on May 28 for failing to comply with a fire safety direction issued under the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (FS(B)O) (Cap. 572).
      
     The Buildings Department (BD) issued a fire safety direction under section 5(2)(a)(ii) of the FS(B)O to two co-owners of a domestic flat in a 54-year-old composite building in Tai Po, requiring the owners to comply with fire safety construction requirements by providing a fire-rated door and removing the metal gate at the unit entrance, which opens directly to a staircase.
      
     Failing to comply with the statutory direction, the two owners were prosecuted by the BD and were convicted and fined by the courts.
      
     "According to the FS(B)O, failing to comply with a statutory direction issued under the ordinance without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The BD may instigate prosecution proceedings against the owner", a spokesman for the BD said today (June 17).
      
     Pursuant to section 5(8) of the FS(B)O, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a statutory direction, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4 ($25,000 at present) and to a further fine of $2,500 for each day of non-compliance. Upon conviction, an application may also be made to the court for a Fire Safety Compliance Order against the owner under section 6(1) of the FS(B)O directing the owner to comply with the requirements of the direction.

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     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 17) that due to big waves, the red flag has been hoisted at Pui O Beach in Islands District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

       The 36th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, organised by the Toronto Chinese Business Association and supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO), welcomed teams from across Canada and around the world on June 15 and 16 (Toronto time), attracting thousands of people to the Centre Island in Toronto to enjoy this annual event.
 
       Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival, the Director of the Toronto ETO, Ms Emily Mo, remarked that Toronto ETO is proud to continue the support of the Festival. "Dragon boat race signifies the strong and close ties between Hong Kong and Canada," said Ms Mo. "We brought this modernized water sport from Hong Kong to Canada."
 
       Ms Mo also shared with the audience that Hong Kong is blessed with a constant stream of exciting events this year. "Over 200 mega events is being held throughout 2024, spanning through cultural, arts, music, sports events, conventions and exhibitions on different sectors, as well as traditional festivals, celebrations, galas and carnivals," Ms Mo added. 
 
       Ms Mo encouraged Canadians to visit the events calendar of Hong Kong when planning their itinerary to travel to this Asian World City.  

       On both days of the Festival, the Toronto ETO set up a Hong Kong pavilion with mini-exhibition to showcase the history of dragon boating in Hong Kong. Giveaways were also distributed to the race spectators.
 
       In addition, as one of the highlights of the Festival, the commemorative Hong Kong Cup, sponsored by the Toronto ETO, was presented to one of the dragon boat race winning teams on June 16 (Toronto time).
 
       Toronto ETO has been sponsoring dragon boat racing in different cities across Canada. The dragon boat festivals in Vancouver and Ottawa will be held from June 21 to 23 (Canada time) respectively.