Hong Kong Customs conducted a three-week joint enforcement operation with the Mainland and Macao Customs from April 9 to 30, during which inspection of goods across the three places and destined for North America, Europe and Asia as well as other countries and regions was stepped up, with a view to combating cross-boundary counterfeiting activities among the three places with goods destined for overseas countries. During the operation, Hong Kong Customs detected 19 cases and seized about 56 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of about $16.9 million.  

     Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigations, Hong Kong Customs in the operation detected 15 cases at various local express couriers and logistics companies. Meanwhile, Customs officers inspected on April 15 and 16 two containers arriving in Hong Kong from Nansha, Guangdong, and containing suspected counterfeit goods at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound, leading to the detection of two more cases. 

     Moreover, Customs detected two further cases by intercepting two incoming trucks on April 12 and 28 at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized batches of suspected counterfeit goods from the vehicles. Two male truck drivers, aged 49 and 55, were arrested. Investigations of the cases are ongoing. The two arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     The suspected counterfeit goods seized by Hong Kong Customs in the operation included handbags, mobile phones and accessories, watches and footwear. The total estimated market value was about $16.9 million.

     Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with the Mainland Customs, Macao Customs and overseas law enforcement agencies to vigorously combat cross-boundary counterfeit goods transshipment activities through intelligence exchanges and joint enforcement actions. 

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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).

  

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 Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited relating to a fraudulent website and an internet banking login screen, 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 website or login screen 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 Government published in the Gazette today (May 3) the amendments and corrections to the railway scheme for the Northern Link (NOL) Main Line in accordance with sections 7 and 8 of the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519).

     A Government spokesman said, "The amendments and corrections are made mainly in light of the enhanced project design, including minimising the footprint of railway stations and ancillary facilities while not affecting railway operation, as well as the implementation progress of the development projects along the proposed railway resulting in the overall reduction of land resumption areas. The corrections reflect the latest condition of carving out of lots, and will not affect any private rights or interests materially."

     The NOL Main Line involves the construction of a railway link, approximately 10.7 kilometres long, connecting the existing Kam Sheung Road Station of the Tuen Ma Line and the planned Kwu Tung Station of the East Rail Line, with three intermediate stations at Au Tau, Ngau Tam Mei and San Tin. Since the gazettal of the railway scheme in October 2023, the Government and the MTR Corporation Limited have been keeping in close contact with major stakeholders to listen to their views, including reporting project progress to the North District Council and the Yuen Long District Council, and exchanging views with relevant rural committees and stakeholders. The construction works of the proposed NOL Main Line will commence soon after the authorisation of the scheme and are expected to be completed by 2034.

     Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public may object to the amendments to the scheme for the NOL Main Line from today until July 2, 2024. Additionally, any person who has a compensatable interest can claim compensation under the provisions of the Ordinance.

     The Amendments and Corrections to the Scheme and the Amendment and Correction Plans are viewable on the Highways Department (HyD) website (www.hyd.gov.hk/en/our_projects/railway_projects/index.html). They are also available for public inspection during office hours at the Central & Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the North Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the Yuen Long Home Affairs Enquiry Centre; the District Lands Office, North; and the District Lands Office, Yuen Long. A copy of the Amendments and Corrections to the Scheme and the Amendment and Correction Plans may be purchased from the HyD. For details, please call the HyD at 2762 3976.

     â€‹The Information Expo on Multiple Pathways 2024 (Info Expo), organised by the Education Bureau (EDB), will be held from 10am to 6pm on May 10 and 11 (Friday and Saturday) at Rotunda 2 of the Kowloonbay International Trade & Exhibition Centre. 
      
     A spokesman for the EDB said today (May 3), "The Info Expo aims to provide the latest information on multiple pathways for senior secondary school students, parents and teachers; and to equip students with better knowledge on different articulation and career plans. Around 30 institutions and organisations will set up exhibition booths to provide information on locally accredited post-secondary programmes (including programmes eligible for various government subsidy schemes as well as vocational and professional education and training programmes and applied degree programmes), the Diploma of Applied Education programmes, as well as relevant online platforms such as the Information Portal for Accredited Post-secondary Programmes, the Electronic Advance Application System for Post-secondary Programmes, the Concourse for Self-financing Post-secondary Education, and the Qualifications Framework".
      
     In addition, Hok Yau Club, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association will offer studies and career guidance services to students. There will also be talks on multiple pathways, preparation and strategies for articulation to post-secondary education, and experience sharing by post-secondary students. Institution and industry representatives will also provide first-hand information about various programmes and career development. 

     Admission is free and prior registration is not required. There are new interactive games at the EDB booth this year. Participants who complete designated tasks will receive a gift while stocks last.

     For details of the Info Expo (such as talk schedule and exhibitor list), please visit the event website (www.cspe.edu.hk/en/Resources-CareerGuidance-MultiplePathwaysExpo.html). 

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 (May 3) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Stanley Main Beach, Shek O Beach and Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District; and Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.