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 Chong Hing Bank Limited relating to a fraudulent website and a mobile application (App), 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 App 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.

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 (April 23) that the Environmental Protection Department has classified the water quality at Anglers' Beach in Tsuen Wan District as Grade 4, which means the beach is not suitable for swimming. The red flag has been hoisted. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

     Twenty-seven convictions were recorded in March 2024 for breaches of legislation enforced by the Environmental Protection Department.
      
     Two of the convictions were under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance, three were under the Noise Control Ordinance, 12 were under the Public Cleansing and Prevention of Nuisances Regulation, one was under the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance, seven were under the Waste Disposal Ordinance, and two were under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance.
      
     A company was fined $35,000, which was the heaviest fine in March, for failing to comply with an air pollution abatement notice.

     The Government announced today (April 23) that a sum of $6 million under the Financial Assistance Scheme for Family Members of Those Who Sacrifice Their Lives to Save Others will be granted to the family members of brave deceased Fireman Mr Yau Yiu-man.
 
​     The late Mr Yau sacrificed his life on January 19, 2024, while attending a rescue operation for a trapped female driver in a traffic accident at Penny's Bay, Lantau Island.
     
​     The Chairman of the Committee on Financial Assistance for Family Members of those who Sacrifice their Lives to Save Others which approved the grant, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, paid tribute to the late Mr Yau for his gallant act.
 
​     "Despite all the known risks, Mr Yau vividly demonstrated selflessness during the rescue operation. He spared no effort in saving lives, which commands our greatest respect," Mr Sun said.
 
​     "We deeply mourn the loss of such an excellent and devoted public servant. The grant represents the Government's recognition of the late Mr Yau's exceptional courage and professionalism of the highest order. We sincerely hope that the financial assistance can provide some relief to his family members."
 
     The Scheme was set up in January 2002 to provide financial assistance to family members of those who lost their lives when attempting to save or protect others. Under the Scheme, the amount of financial assistance for each approved application is worked out according to a formula having regard to the age and normal retirement age of the deceased and the prevailing median monthly employment earnings, with the minimum and maximum levels currently set at $6 million and $12 million respectively.

     The Director of Drainage Services, Mr Ringo Mok, was deeply saddened by the passing of two workers in a work accident that happened during sewer cleaning works at Sha Tin today (April 23). The workers were certified dead after attempts at resuscitation. The Drainage Services Department (DSD) expressed deepest condolences to the deceased's families and is working with the contractor to provide immediate and appropriate assistance to the deceased's families.

     The two deceased persons, aged 26 and 34, were employed by a subcontractor responsible for term maintenance and a construction contract in Sha Tin District. Four workers were carrying out sewer cleaning works at Yuen Wo Playground, Sha Tin. According to the planned work procedure, the workers would carry out high-pressure cleaning of the sewer outside the manhole without entering it. The accident occurred at about 0.00am today (April 23) when two workers were found unconscious inside the manhole. Upon an attempted rescue, they were immediately sent to Prince of Wales Hospital and were certified dead after the attempted resuscitation. The other two workers were conscious when they were sent to the hospital.

     â€‹The DSD is investigating the cause of the incident and is rendering full assistance to the investigations by the Labour Department and the Police. The DSD always attaches great importance to construction site safety and requires contractors and subcontractors to strictly comply with relevant safety guidelines. After the accident, the DSD immediately requested the contractor and subcontractor to suspend relevant works and conduct safety inspections. All related works of the DSD have also been suspended until the DSD confirms that the contractors and their subcontractors have implemented all necessary measures to ensure work site safety.