The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 10 station officers, 99 firemen and 33 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (March 8).

     Mr Chan commended members of the Fire Services Department (FSD) for their dedicated efforts in protecting Hong Kong and saving people's lives and property. When participating in the rescue mission in the quake-stricken areas of Türkiye last year, members never hesitated and went all out to brave the harsh conditions even in an unfamiliar country.

     He mentioned that the FSD has been introducing advanced equipment and applying innovative technology to enhance operational efficiency. In October last year, a male student went missing in the hills for days. The FSD deployed drones using technologies including artificial intelligence analysis and eventually located him. Moreover, the FSD received an award from the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance last year for its commitment to exploring and applying innovative technology in enhancing the effectiveness of mountain search and rescue operations.

     Mr Chan said, "The FSD frequently conducts exchanges and mutual visits with its fire and rescue counterparts on the Mainland and overseas, and a regular mechanism for exchanges and observation has been created in particular with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition to conducting joint exercises, mutual visits, seminars and other activities from time to time, the Greater Bay Area Fire and Rescue Knowledge Management Platform was established which serves as a means to share experiences and information, thus strengthening mutual learning among counterparts of the area."

     He also pointed out that the FSD has strived to enhance members' understanding of national security, and established a steering committee to co-ordinate activities on national affairs and national security to be participated in by all members. The graduates also attended a national studies course on the Mainland during the training period. He encouraged the graduates to deepen their understanding of the country's development and current situation, as well as its history and culture, in order to become the backbone for members who love both the country and Hong Kong. The graduates could then work together with colleagues from various disciplinary forces and play a crucial role in safeguarding national security.

     The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 142 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots.

            

     The Mega Events Coordination Group (the Group) chaired by the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, with the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, as deputy, convened a meeting today (March 8), with a view to strengthening co-ordination of major events and promoting mega event economy.
      
     At the meeting, the Group discussed the progress and arrangements of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) serving as the first point of contact in promoting mega events in Hong Kong. The dedicated team of the HKTB, providing first-stop support, has commenced operation by liaising with event organisers and conducting preliminary assessments on event proposals. The assessments cover the benefits of hosting relevant events in Hong Kong and the necessary supporting arrangements. The HKTB will also invite views from the industry or experts, bureaux, departments, or relevant statutory bodies before submitting recommendations to the Government.
      
     The Group also reviewed how to establish and update the calendar of mega events in Hong Kong. The assessment of an event is mainly based on three considerations, namely whether it can attract the public and tourists to participate, whether it can help increase Hong Kong's visibility on the global radar, and whether it can demonstrate Hong Kong's strategic positioning. The Group agreed to strive for the early publication of the calendar of mega events in Hong Kong for the second half of the year, with a view to allowing the operators in various industries, such as tourism, hotels, catering and retail, to seize the opportunity and to plan, prepare, and promote early for turning popularity into prosperity.
      
     In addition, the Group focused its discussion on enhancing the publicity of mega events for creating an atmosphere of citywide involvement and enjoyment. Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) introduced to the Group the newly produced multimedia magazine-style information programme "Mega Events Mega Hong Kong", which provides daily updates on events in town through TV, radio and online platforms, as well as related publicity efforts to keep the public abreast of upcoming events in Hong Kong. The TV programme is to be broadcast daily on RTHK TV 31 and TV32, with announcements to be broadcast on Radio 1, Radio 2, Radio 3, Radio 5 and a Putonghua channel in different programmes daily. The Information Services Department and the HKTB also presented their respective efforts in the publicity of mega events.
      
     Mr Wong said, "As the event capital of Asia, Hong Kong will host nearly 150 mega events throughout the year, with over 80 in the first half. The various events attract visitors from around the world and bring substantial economic benefits. They also provide intangible benefits to Hong Kong, such as positive global exposure and the consolidation and enhancement of Hong Kong's status as an international city. The Government will reach out more proactively to attract various mega events to anchor in Hong Kong, strengthen the co-ordination, and ensure that the events receive sufficient interdepartmental support. We will continue to adopt a multipronged approach to promote the mega event economy."
      
     Members attending the meeting today also included the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong; the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Ms Irene Young; the Director of Information Services, Mr Fletch Chan; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; the Commissioner for Transport, Ms Angela Lee; the Executive Director of the HKTB, Mr Dane Cheng; the Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Patrick Lau; and other representatives of relevant bureaux and departments including the Security Bureau, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department and RTHK.

    

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (March 8) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
     
     From March 1 to yesterday (March 7), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had been to Indonesia during the incubation period.
     
     As of yesterday, nine imported cases of DF had been recorded in 2024. In 2023, 62 imported cases of DF were recorded.
 
     According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of DF has markedly increased over the past two decades, posing a substantial public health challenge. Since the beginning of 2023, ongoing transmission, combined with an unexpected spike in DF cases, has resulted in close to a historic high of over 5 million cases and more than 5 000 dengue-related deaths reported in over 80 countries/territories. Several countries in Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh and Thailand, have reported a notable surge in dengue cases in 2023 compared to previous years, whereas the most affected countries in the Western Pacific region are the Philippines and Vietnam. In 2024, several countries in the Americas, in particular Brazil, have reported a significant increase in the number of cases during the first weeks of the year. As such, members of the public, while travelling abroad, should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).
 
     "Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

    
     DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

    
     * For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.
 
     â€‹â€‹The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed "Twilight" and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed "Windsand" for four consecutive days from March 4 to yesterday (March 7). A total of four suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers were arrested.
 
     During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided nine target locations including a factory, warehouses, restaurants and a vegetable transfer station. Four suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men, aged 28 to 37. All of them were holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment. Two men, aged 41 and 43, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.
     
     An ImmD spokesman said, "Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties."
 
     The spokesman warned, "As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment."
 
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker's valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

  

　　A four-day showcase event organised by the Chinese Medicine Development Fund (CMDF) of the Government commenced today (March 8) to present the fruitful achievements of the CMDF since its launch, and promote Chinese medicine (CM) knowledge and culture to the public. The Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, said at the opening ceremony that the CMDF will continue to work hand in hand with the CM sector in the future to jointly take forward more projects which are conducive to the long-term development of CM in Hong Kong.

　　The showcase event is being held today until March 11 at the Event Hall on the Ground Floor of Olympian City 2, Tai Kok Tsui. Apart from showcasing the achievements of projects funded by the CMDF, a variety of free interactive activities is staged for the public to have a taste of CM culture in a fun way. These activities include seminars featuring various themes to introduce to citizens CM knowledge such as acupuncture points, prevention and treatment of pain, and postpartum care. Citizens may also join CM workshops to learn more about Chinese herbal medicine (Chm) cultivation and various CM interventions, as well as to make their own herbal mosquito repellent oil. During the event period, the CMDF will also host a friendly debate competition for secondary school students to explore topics regarding the future development of CM, while fun games and snapshot booths are set up for the public to participate in gift redemptions and photo-taking. There will be arrangements to produce WhatsApp stickers on the theme of CM for the public tomorrow (March 9) and on Sunday.

　　Dr Lee said, "The Government has been devoting additional efforts and resources in recent years to implement a range of policy initiatives, going the extra mile apart from the continued commitment to promoting the high-quality development of CM in Hong Kong on all fronts. Among others, the Government has launched more than 10 funding schemes through the CMDF to facilitate training for high-quality talents in the CM sector, improve clinic facilities, enhance the manufacturing quality and management system of proprietary Chinese medicines (pCm), support pCm registration and market expansion to the Mainland, encourage applied studies and research, as well as deepen public understanding of CM."

　　Launched in 2019, the CMDF has been granting funds to a number of projects with fruitful achievements, including academic inheritance training by renowned CM masters, international academic conferences, CM professional development and cross-disciplinary collaborative studies, research in traditional CM theory and evidence-based medicine, as well as public education and cultural promotion projects in communities and on campuses. Moreover, the CMDF provided full funding for two anti-epidemic projects co-ordinated by the Federation of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Chinese Medicines Traders Association during the COVID-19 epidemic. The two projects enlisted nearly 720 Chinese medicine practitioners (CMPs) in private practice to provide CM telemedicine and rehabilitation services to almost 42 000 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 or suffered from post-COVID-19 conditions.

　　As of the end of February this year, nearly 7 700 funding applications were approved by the CMDF, benefitting more than 2.15 million individuals/organisations in the CM sector, including registered and listed CMPs, CM drug personnel, CM clinics, manufacturers and wholesalers of pCm, retailers and wholesalers of Chm, CM-related organisations, universities and tertiary education institutions, as well as the public. Major achievements of the CMDF are listed below: 
 

• Talent nurturing: Close to 3 200 CMPs and CM drug personnel have received subsidies to attend CM professional training programmes for them to continuously upskill professional knowledge and ability. The CMDF has also supported programme providers to design and organise innovative training projects, benefiting over 32 500 practitioners;

• Quality enhancement: The CMDF has supported more than 470 CM clinics and nearly 185 Chm retailers/wholesalers to upgrade their facilities and equipment with a view to enhancing service quality, safety and quality control of CM drugs. The CMDF has also supported nearly 160 pCm manufacturers/wholesalers to engage consultancy services and technical support to complete the registration process for some 730 pCm products, thereby levelling up the quality of Hong Kong-registered pCm products and fostering the development of CM drug industry;

• Research and applied studies: The CMDF has supported the commencement of 58 CM research and applied studies projects which are instrumental to the academic and clinical research, professional and industry development of CM in Hong Kong; and

• Publicity and promotion: The CMDF has supported nearly 620 CM publicity and public education activities of various forms with target audiences covering kindergarten students, primary and secondary school students, and elderly persons.

　　Dr Lee said, "Looking ahead, the development of CM in Hong Kong will usher in many more new opportunities and challenges. With the additional injection of $500 million into the CMDF as announced by the Financial Secretary in the 2023-24 Budget, the total amount of the CMDF now comes to $1 billion. The CMDF will progressively roll out more funding schemes to support the CM sector in a more focused, strategic and effective manner, in a bid to drive the long-term development of CM in Hong Kong."

　　The Chairman of the Advisory Committee on the CMDF, Professor Douglas So; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Mr Sunny Tan; and the Acting Commissioner for Chinese Medicine Development of the Health Bureau (HHB), Mr Dominic Ho, also attended the opening ceremony today.  Members of the public may visit the website of the CMDF for more information on the showcase event.

　　The CMDF is the first dedicated fund specifically set up to support the development of CM with the objectives of promoting the development of CM in Hong Kong and enhancing the overall standard of the CM sector. The CMDF is supervised by the Chinese Medicine Unit of the HHB, with the HKPC serving as the implementation agent.