AFCD lays charges against two Mainlanders suspected of using snake cages for fishing
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (August 12) laid charges against two Mainlanders suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a Mainland vessel in waters off Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po.
A Mainland vessel suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages in the said waters yesterday (August 11) was intercepted at around 5.30pm the same day for investigation. Some fishing gear on board was seized by the AFCD.
After the investigation, charges were laid against the two men who were suspected to have violated the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Fanling Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 13).
Only vessels registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters. Regardless of the type of fishing gear used, a non-local fishing vessel is not allowed to carry out fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
The AFCD spokesman stressed, "The Government is committed to combatting illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."
AFCD lays charges against two Mainlanders suspected of using snake cages for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Extension of opening hours and special traffic arrangements of FEHD's columbaria during Chung Yeung Festival
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (September 13) said that the opening hours of columbaria under the FEHD will be extended to 7am to 7pm during the Chung Yeung Festival period (i.e. from September 21 to October 20) to assist grave sweepers as well as toalleviate crowd conditions. The department appealed to grave sweepers to avoid grave-sweeping activities during the peak period on the day of the Chung Yeung Festival and pay tribute to ancestors over a wider period before and after the festival.
The spokesman reminded grave sweepers to pay attention to special traffic and transport arrangements that will be implemented during the Chung Yeung Festival. Access to cemeteries and columbaria of the FEHD will be closed to all vehicles while the special traffic and transport arrangements are in operation, except for those with permission. For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements in the vicinity of cemeteries and crematoria, please browse the Transport Department website (www.td.gov.hk). In addition, the escalator adjacent to Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium has been opened for public access.
The FEHD expects that there will be a large number of visitors burning paper offerings in joss paper burners (JPBs) at the Tsang Tsui Columbarium and Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium during the peak sweeping period of the Chung Yeung Festival. No walk-in queuing for the JPBs will be allowed at both columbaria on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays during the above-mentioned Chung Yeung Festival period. Members of the public must make bookings via the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/cc/notice.html) or obtain queue tickets in the columbaria. For details of the JPB arrangements, please browse the FEHD website.
Green burial allows the environment to thrive and love to endure. Members of the public can register their wishes for a green burial through the Green Burial Central Register (www.greenburial.gov.hk). The registration is simple and free of charge. Members of the public can also pay tribute to their loved ones through the Internet Memorial Service webpage (www.memorial.gov.hk) and its mobile application. During the Chung Yeung Festival, a Green Burial Exhibition will be held on the G/F of Tsang Tsui Columbarium. All are welcome to visit free of charge. Throughout the exhibition period, a food kiosk will be set up to provide food and beverages for sale.
Source: AI-generated images
