Exclusive: dh's official statement on the controversial importation of alternative smoking products
In response to media enquiries about a convicted case of importing alternative smoking products (ASPs), a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (April 25) reiterated that the government has always been taking stringent enforcement actions to deter illegal activities under the relevant ordinances.
TheHong Kong Customs and Excise Department intercepted a man in the West Kowloon Station of the Express Rail Link on January 28, 2024, when over 100 ASPs were found on him and in his luggage. Upon investigation by the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH, the man was charged with contravening the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60) by importing ASPs. He was convicted at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts today, and fined $5,000.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and isliable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2,000,000 and imprisonment for seven years.
Moreover, in accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products, offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The spokesman stressed that TACO has always been closely monitoring and taking stringent enforcement actions against violations of the ordinances. TACO will also conduct an investigation upon receiving complaints or referrals, and lay charges against offenders when sufficient evidence is found. Since the ban on ASPs came into effect on April 30, 2022, more than 350 cases have been convicted of importing ASPs as of March 31, 2024. The highest penalty for these convicted cases was a fine of $24,000.
The spokesman cautioned against the use of any ASPs and stressed that these products contain amounts of nicotine similar to those of conventional cigarettes in order to sustain addiction. In addition, health hazards of long-term exposure to ASPs are unknown. The Government appeals to smokers to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. They are encouraged to call the DH's Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, and information on smoking cessation can also be obtained from www.livetobaccofree.hk.
Source: AI-generated images
Government departments unite to tackle rainstorm impact head-on
A Government spokesman said today (May 4) that persistent rainstorm has caused flooding and landslides in various areas of Hong Kong. The relevant government departments have responded promptly, making every effort to minimise the impacts of heavy rain.
The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been maintaining close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and making advance arrangements and preparations. The department activated the Emergency Control Centre this morning and deployed emergency response teams to proactively inspect locations prone to flooding, including Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O areas. Various locations experienced flooding due to the heavy rainfall. Within a short period of time, the DSD mobilised about 70 emergency response teams, working closely with other works departments to handle flooding cases expeditiously. As the rainfall intensified, the DSD deployed additional manpower to handle the flooding cases and clear the drainage channels across the territory, involving over 160 emergency response teams comprising about 600 people. By 7.30pm, all 16 flooding cases, including 12 in Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O areas, had been resolved. All cases were successfully handled within one to two hours upon receipt of reports, and the affected roads have mostly resumed normal operation.
The Emergency Control Centre of the Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) also started operation promptly after the HKO issued a landslip warning. By 7pm today, the GEO received a total of 15 reports of landslides in Sai Kung area. Inspections to the reported locations were immediately carried out and necessary slope emergency works were arranged. One of the landslide cases occurred in the Clearwater Bay Country Park above the Tseung Kwan O Stage II Restored Landfill. The Environmental Protection Department instantly deployed manpower and excavators to clear the debris and divert rainwater to nearby catchwaters or stormwater drains, thereby alleviating the flooding pressure in Tseung Kwan O.
Regarding the roads in Sai Kung district closed earlier today due to severe flooding, most of them were reopened in a short period of time and the traffic has resumed normal, attributable to the quick response of the DSD, the Transport Department (TD), the Highways Department (HyD), the Police, etc. The Emergency Transport Coordination Centre of the TD also escalated to a higher level to closely monitor the traffic conditions across the territory. It maintained close liaison with relevant government departments and public transport operators, and provided timely information to the public transport operators for appropriate operational arrangements. Under weather-permitting and manageable risk situations, affected public transport services would be resumed as soon as possible, or the extent of service disruption was minimised, to provide essential services to members of the public.
The Emergency Control Centres of the HyD were activated after the Red Rainstorm Warning Signal was in force today to co-ordinate the handling of road emergencies, including clearing roadside gullies blocked by muddy water and debris and cordoning off some carriageways so as to facilitate emergency repair of the collapsed slopes in some areas in Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O where landslides and flooding occurred. At least one carriageway has been re-opened for public use.
In times of rainstorm warnings, the Fire Services Department by 7pm today handled 25 reports of Person Being Shut in Lift and 71 reports from automatic fire alarm systems. Fourteen persons were evacuated.
By 8pm today, the Government received 22 reports of fallen trees with no injuries.
The Government urges the public to stay away from slopes when landslip warnings are in effect or during heavy rain. Drivers should also avoid driving in hilly areas or parking their vehicles below slopes. Members of the public should stay away from trees and avoid stay under trees. Due to the inclement weather, there is a possibility of flash floods and landslides. The Government advises the public not to visit country parks.
In addition, the Home Affairs Department has opened nine temporary shelters located in Southern District on Hong Kong Island, Yau Tsim Mong and Kowloon City in Kowloon, and Tseung Kwan O and Sai Kung in the New Territories, for people in need. In Sai Kung, 12 District Services and Community Care Teams have been involved in the coping measures under the Red Rainstorm Warning, including Care Team members being on duty at the shelters to assist those in need.
Hong Kong is being affected by another band of intense thundery showers. The Government reminds the public to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and traffic reports. The Government departments will continue to make every effort to carry out coping measures and relieving work, while Care Teams will continue to provide support to members of the public in need.
Source: AI-generated images
