Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) seized seven suspected illegally imported animals, namely one sugar glider, one chinchilla, one mouse, one hamster and three guinea pigs, with an estimated market value of about $4,300 at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted an incoming 46-year-old female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, the batch of suspected illegally imported animals was seized from paper bags carried by her. She 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 yesterday (May 9) seized seven suspected illegally imported animals, namely one sugar glider, one chinchilla, one mouse, one hamster and three guinea pigs, with an estimated market value of about $4,300 at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. Photo shows one of the suspected illegally imported guinea pigs seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
"Shoreline Management Guideline for Coastal Development" to mitigate impacts of storm surges and overtopping waves
To address the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather to coastal areas, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) today (May 11) announced the "Shoreline Management Guideline for Coastal Development", and incorporated it into the Port Works Design Manual. The Guideline applies to existing and new coastal development projects to facilitate the systematic assessment and management of risks by stakeholders, thereby mitigating the impacts of storm surges and overtopping waves.
The CEDD completed the Study on Shoreline Management Plan in 2024. The study provides guidance on planning and implementing urban coastal development and protection, as well as the formulation of long-term strategies and preventive measures to enhance the resilience of the Government and stakeholders against climate change. Based on the study's findings and recommendations, the CEDD developed the Guideline, which outlines an integrated strategy of adaptation, resilience, and management to establish multilayered protection:
- adaptation: constructing structures to mitigate the impact of seawater inundation;
- resilience: adopting temporary or non-structural measures to control flood risks, enabling a speedy recovery forsociety; and
- management: strengthening emergency preparedness and information dissemination to raise public awareness of flood prevention.
The Guideline covers risk-based planning and design principles and procedures, as well as options and examples of protective measures. It serves as a practical guide for stakeholders with businesses operations in coastal or waterfront areas, assisting them in implementing relevant protective measures.
The CEDD has also produced a brochure titled "Let's Build a Resilient Coast", which introduces the integrated strategy of adaptation, resilience, and management, as well as multilayered protection measures, while providing recommendations on architectural design and pre-typhoon preparations.
Relevant information has been uploaded to the following webpages:
- "Shoreline Management Guideline for Coastal Development"
www.cedd.gov.hk/filemanager/eng/content_96/39/Annex%201b%20-%20Proposed%20Appendix%20E%20-%20SMGRev13.4.pdf
- "Let's Build a Resilient Coast"brochure
www.cedd.gov.hk/filemanager/eng/content_96/39/CEDD%20Leaflet%20495x210mm_20260423_EN.jpg
- Thematic page on coastal enhancement and shoreline management
www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/our-projects/topics-in-focus/index-id-39.html
www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/publications/ceo/pwdm/index.html
Source: the official website of CEDD
