SCST expresses sorrow over passing of Ms Maisy Ho
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ms Maisy Ho and extended her deepest condolences to her family.
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Miss Law said, "Ms Ho was a prominent figure in the business community and was deeply involved in public service. She was committed to promoting arts and cultural development over the years, and she provided valuable advice during her tenure with the Council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and the Advisory Committee on Arts Development (ACAD). We are deeply saddened by her passing."
Ms Ho served as a member of the Council of the HKAPA from 2018 to 2023 and a member of the ACAD from 2025.
Maisy Ho, Photo source: The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce
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
