The Transport Department today (December 15) reminded members of the public that the 42nd round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10am tomorrow (December 16) to 11.59pm on December 19, and the ballot result will be announced on December 20.
 
　　Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hk). Successful balloting applicants are required to submit applications for the scheme within the designated date and time randomly allocated by the computer system.

     Two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong by the Central Government are being cared for meticulously by dedicated teams at Ocean Park, where two locally born twin cubs will also be ready to meet the public around the Lunar New Year.

     Members of Ocean Park's zoological team spoke to news.gov.hk about the giant pandas' diets and training, as well as the twin cubs' development.

     The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (December 15) in text and video format.

     The Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB), the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) and the Financial Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (FIIB) of the Hong Kong Police Force held the Anti-Scam Carnival at the West Kowloon Cultural District today (December 14) to increase the public awareness of scam prevention, money laundering and cyber threats through thematic game booths, as well as various music, dance and magic performances, attracting over 8 500 participants.

     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that Police recorded a total of 36 405 fraud cases as of October 2024, accounting for 46.3 per cent of the total crimes. This means nearly one in two crime cases being scams. The monetary loss involved reached $7.04 billion. Accompanying the rise in scams, money laundering cases has also increased by nearly 60 per cent as of October 2024, compared with the same period of 2023.
 
     Mr Chow further pointed out that besides enforcement and publicity works, Police are committed to collaborating with various stakeholders to carry out anti-scam work comprehensively. For instance, since November 2023, Police have worked with the banking industry to implement several measures including the Suspicious Account Alert system. The alert mechanism extended its coverage to include online banking, e-wallets, and bank counter transactions starting from August this year. In December, the third phase of the system was rolled out to cover automated teller machines (ATMs), offering the public a more comprehensive protection. While saying that the support and co-operation of the public are essential, he urged members of the public to stay vigilant against deception, support Police anti-scam campaigns and share scam prevention information with friends and family to collectively guard against scams. The public are also reminded to pay attention to anti-money laundering messages, safeguard their personal accounts, and never rent, lend or sell their bank accounts or e-wallets to the third parties. It is important to remember: Your personal account, "Don't Rent, Don't Lend, Don't Sell!”, he added.
 
     Also officiating at the ceremony were the Director of Crime and Security, Mr Yip Wan-lung; the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ms Chung Wing-man; the Chief Superintendent of FIIB, Ms Cheng Lai-ki; the Chief Superintendent of CCB, Mr Yau Kin-hung; and the Chief Superintendent of CSTCB, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho.
 
     The award presentation ceremony of the Anti-Scam Lucky Draw organised by the CSTCB was also held during the carnival. The grand prize winner received an electric vehicle. The large-scale lucky draw successfully drew widespread attention, rallying efforts of all sectors in society and attracting over 1.8 million participants. The total number of downloads of the mobile application Scameter+ has exceeded 840 000, with a significant increase of 47 per cent.
 
     Mr Chow also presented souvenirs to representatives of various public and private organisations in recognition of their contribution to the event.
 
     The Anti-Scam Carnival featured a variety of performances, including singing and dancing by performing groups, as well as magic shows and lion dance performance. An Anti-Scam Hub was also set up to educate the public on how to avoid falling into scams and money laundering traps. The carnival runs for two days on December 14 and 15 at the West Kowloon Cultural District. For more details, please visit the Anti-Scam Carnival website (www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/asc2024.html).
 

          

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for a three-day visit to Beijing tomorrow afternoon (December 15). 

     During his visit, Mr Lam will attend the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Beijing Representative Office and call on relevant central ministries and institutions.

     â€‹Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on December 17. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

     To enhance fire safety awareness and the emergency preparedness of the public, the Fire Services Department (FSD) launched the Fire Services Department Community Emergency Responder (FSDCER) Scheme today (December 14). Participants will receive training on fire prevention and emergency preparedness, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator to help safeguard community safety.

     The launching ceremony of the FSDCER Scheme, funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, was officiated by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung; the Deputy Director of Fire Services (Public Safety and Corporate Strategy), Mr Derek Armstrong Chan; and newly appointed chairmen of the FSDCER Honorary Presidents' Scheme from the 18 districts, at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy.

     Addressing the ceremony, Mr Yeung said that the FSD launched the Fire Safety Ambassador Scheme as early as 1997. In light of the increasing willingness for the public to save lives during emergencies, the FSD has introduced the new FSDCER Scheme. The Scheme draws on successful experiences from both the Mainland and overseas, aiming to enhance the public's knowledge of emergency preparedness and instil a sense of responsibility and dedication to the community. By participating in the Scheme's trainings and activities, the public can equip themselves with knowledge on fire prevention and emergency responses to handle various emergency situations.

     Mr Yeung emphasised that community safety is a shared responsibility of every member of the public. A parent-child scheme has therefore been introduced, with the participants' minimum age expanding from 12 years old to 6 years old, in order to encourage family participation. With the new initiative, children can be nurtured with fire safety awareness and the ability to handle emergency situations from a young age. They will also be instilled with a sense of safety and responsibility towards the community.

     The FSDCER Scheme is now open for registration for Hong Kong citizens aged 12 or above, while children aged 6 to 11 can participate as parent-child members. Interested parties can submit their applications online (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/fsd082/en). After fulfilling requirements of online studies, a practice session and an assessment, participants will be appointed as FSDCERs.