FSD and CMHK Collaborate to Enhance Smart Firefighting in Hong Kong

FSD and China Mobile Hong Kong sign MOU to promote smart firefighting

​The Fire Services Department (FSD) and the China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (CMHK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (November 12) to jointly promote smart firefighting, aiming to enhance the emergency management level of Hong Kong and provide better safeguards for citizens.

The FSD and the CMHK will explore the feasibility of applying innovative technologies in fire service work across various technical fields, including the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, thermal imaging and the Internet of Things; developing innovative applications of the low-altitude economy in rescue operations; and applying advanced indoor locating technologies in firefighting operations. This collaboration can significantly strengthen the FSD's rescue service quality and operational efficiency, as well as enhancing the safety of frontline personnel.

Witnessed by the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, and the Executive Consultant of the CMHK, Mr Sean Lee, the MOU was signed by the Assistant Director (Corporate Strategy) of the FSD, Mr Wong Ka-wing, and the Managing Director of the Corporate Market Division of the CMHK, Mr Johnson Zhang.

Mr Yeung said that the FSD has always shouldered the responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens, as well as preventing and fighting fires. The mission relies not only on a professional firefighting team and excellent equipment but also on technological capability. He said that the FSD will fully utilise the CMHK's technological advantages in the areas of 5G, big data, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence to leverage intelligentisation and informatisation in firefighting.

Mr Lee said that the CMHK has been carrying out various exchanges, collaborations and exploratory practices regarding application scenarios such as fire rescue and fire warnings with the FSD since last year. Both parties joined hands again this year to launch exploration and pilot schemes on projects such as backpack base stations and emergency communications, with a view to further enhancing co-operation of both parties in fire technologies.

FSD and China Mobile Hong Kong sign MOU to promote smart firefighting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FSD and China Mobile Hong Kong sign MOU to promote smart firefighting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FSD and China Mobile Hong Kong sign MOU to promote smart firefighting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming passenger was sentenced to 29 days of imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 58-year-old male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (May 22) and seized 1 981 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from him. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $8,100, and the duty potential was about $6,500. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases