Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications Convenes First Meeting to Address Fuel Costs and Support Public Bus Operators

Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications convenes first meeting

The Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications (Working Group), under the Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply, convenes the first meeting today (April 16).

Led by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, the Working Group has listened to the three franchised bus operators (i.e. The Kowloon Motor Bus Company (1933) Limited / Long Win Bus Company Limited, Citybus Limited and New Lantao Bus Company (1973) Limited) on their current business environment and operation situation as well as the measures they have taken to address the rising fuel costs. The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, the Commissioner for Transport and the Government Economist also attended the meeting. During the meeting, the Working Group conducted dialogues in a frank and exchanged manner with the operators, and expressed appreciation for their continued dedication to providing stable public transport services despite the challenging operating environment.

The Government will continue to monitor changes in fuel costs and the latest developments, and maintain communication with public transport service operators. Taking into account the overall operating environment, operators' costs, and public affordability, while maintaining the stability and normal operations of public transport services, the Working Group will consider targeted temporary measures to help operators save energy and enhance operational efficiency in response to oil price fluctuations.

The Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications, under the Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply, convenes the first meeting today (April 16). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications, under the Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply, convenes the first meeting today (April 16). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications, led by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (third right), convened the first meeting today (April 16). The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong (third left); the Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse (second right); and the Government Economist, Ms Irina Fan (first left), also attended the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2 million at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (April 20) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 10 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2 million.

A female passenger, aged 56, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand via Hanoi, Vietnam this afternoon. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 10 kilograms, in her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.

After investigation, the arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (April 21).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $2 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases