Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal
Hong Kong Customs today (January 6) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of an animal at the Lo Wu Control Point. One suspected illegally imported cat with an estimated market value of about $18,000 was seized.
Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 60-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, one cat was seized from his sling bag, and he was subsequently arrested.
The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
TD implements "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement for direct issue of Hong Kong Full Driving Licence
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (January 7) that,starting from next Monday (January 12), the Hong Kong Licensing Office (HKLO) at United Centre, Admiralty,will implementthe"Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement for applications forthedirect issue oftheHong Kong Full Driving Licence ("direct issue"). This will fully replace the existing on-site ticketing arrangement, further streamlining application procedures, meeting increasing demand, and ensuring fair and orderly access to services forpersonsin need.
No on-site ticketing for direct issue in coming two days
Due totheabuse of the on-site ticketing arrangement, to prevent queuing for"direct issue"applications from affecting other licensing services while improving order management at the licensing office, the TD willcease theon-site ticketing for"direct issue"applications startingfromtomorrow (January 8). From January 12 onwards, applicants or their agents may obtain tickets online through the "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" service.In addition, the existing online appointment booking system for"direct issue"counter services remains unchanged, and applicants who have already booked appointments in advance may continue tovisitthe HKLO at their scheduled times to submit"direct issue"applications.
"Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement
FromJanuary 12, the TD will open the system at 7amoneach working day to provide 300 same-day tickets. Each ticket allows submission of one"direct issue"application for the designated applicant. Applicants must access the "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" system via the designated webpage (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/osqt/index.html) to obtain a ticket on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are required to input to thesystemwith information such as the first four digits/characters of the identification document number, English name, and mobile phone number (including numbers registered outside Hong Kong).
Successful applicants will receive SMS notifications sentby#cefs@govhk and have tovisitthe HKLO counter at the specified timeslot stated in the message to submit their applications. Late arrivals or absentees will need to re-apply for a ticket through thesystem. The TD will continue to monitortheapplication demand and adjust the number ofsame-daytickets as necessary.
The "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement is provided with the assistance of the Digital Policy Office (DPO), which aims to facilitate remote same-day ticket collectionby "direct issue"applicants, eliminating the need for physical queuing and simplifying the application process. The TD willworkcloselywiththeDPO to ensure smooth and stable system operation.
The HKLO willput up notices on the new "Online Same-day Queue Ticket" arrangement for "direct issue" applications and deploy additional staff to maintain order, answer public enquiries, and provide assistance. Ticketing and queuing arrangements for other driving licence-related counter services remain unchanged.
A TD spokesman stressed that the department has always processed and verified each"direct issue"application in a stringent manner. Applicants must submit sufficient, true and accurate documentary proof and fully meet the eligibility criteria stipulated under the law before approval will be granted.
Towards full online services for"direct issue"applications
Further, the TD is working closely withtheDPO to enhance the online appointment booking system for"direct issue"counter services, including the introduction of new authentication technologies and expansion of system capacity, with a view to fully implementing online appointment booking services as soon as possible and extending "direct issue" counter services to the other three Licensing Offices, namely the Kowloon Licensing Office at Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, the Kwun Tong Licensing Office at Kowloon East Government Offices, and the Sha Tin Licensing Office at Sha Tin Government Offices.
In the longer term, the TD is actively exploring the use of artificial intelligence technologies in"direct issue"application procedures. Applicants will be able to upload application documents for preliminary vetting online and only need to bring the original documents to the Licensing Office at their booked timeslot for verification. This will further reducetheneed for submission via agents.TheTD will continue to promote digitalisation of licensing services and announce details of new initiatives in due course.
Source: AI-found images
