Customs Seizes Illegal Animal Imports at Hong Kong Border, Arrests 17-Year-Old Passenger

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (February 2) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animals at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. One suspected illegally imported Petaurus breviceps, five suspected illegally imported mice and one suspected illegally imported hamster, with an estimated market value of about $1,200, were seized.

Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming 17-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, the batch of suspected illegally imported animals was seized from his handbags, 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 animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Administrator of Tai Po Wang Fuk Court - Hop On - facilitates disbursement of "Operation Building Bright 2.0" subsidies to eligible owners

The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) today (February 3) announced arrangements for the Hop On Management Company Limited (Hop On), the appointed administrator for Wang Fuk Court (WFC) in Tai Po, to facilitate the disbursement of subsidies under the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)'s "Operation Building Bright 2.0" (OBB 2.0) to eligible owners.

On January 6 this year, the Lands Tribunal granted an order following an application by the Government under Section 31 of the Building Management Ordinance (Cap. 344) (BMO). The ruling formally dissolved the Management Committee (MC) of the WFC Owners' Corporation (OC) and appointed Hop On as the administrator of the estate. To discharge the functions of the MC under the BMO, Hop On has since initiated a series of tasks. These include updating bank account mandates, conducting a handover with the former management company, taking possession of OC records, and clarifying the legal liabilities and entitlements of the OC and owners. Hop On is also following up on performance bond matters and examining the OC's accounts. To ensure effective communication with residents, Hop On has established an online platform (www.WFCAdmin.com.hk). Meanwhile, a dedicated team from the Home Affairs Department has maintained close liaison with Hop On to provide the necessary support.

Through co-ordination between the Development Bureau and the HYAB, the URA has departed from its standard practice of disbursing subsidies to an OC's account and releasing only 85 per cent of the funds before confirming the discharge of relevant Statutory Orders. Under this exceptional arrangement, 100 per cent of the OBB 2.0 subsidy will be issued directly by cheque to approximately 1 700 eligible owner-occupiers and elderly owner-occupiers of WFC. The subsidy amounts are $40,000 and $50,000 respectively. This streamlined approach ensures that the funds reach residents more efficiently, with Hop On facilitating the distribution of these cheques.

Under the "one social worker per household" mechanism arranged by the Social Welfare Department, social workers will assist in reaching out to eligible owners. Upon obtaining the owners' consent, their contact information will be shared with Hop On for follow-up. Hop On will then contact the owners to explain the distribution logistics and schedule appointments for the time and location for cheque collection.

Hop On will establish multiple collection points across various districts this month. Eligible owners can collect their cheques at their prearranged time slots at designated locations in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories (including areas near transitional housing projects where more residents currently reside). Details of the collection schedule and locations will be uploaded to Hop On's website shortly for viewing. For enquiries regarding the subsidy scheme, owners may call the URA's OBB 2.0 hotline at 3188 1188.

Source: AI-found images