LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visited the construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project today (June 25) to gain a deeper understanding of the application of artificial intelligence and robotic technology in the construction industry.
Members first received a briefing on the project and the application of innovative technologies to enhance project quality and site safety from representatives of the Government. Members noted that the project, commenced in 2023, aims to tackle flooding risks posed by climate change and to improve the water quality of the Yuen Long Nullah through the construction of an automatic flood barrier and other electrical and mechanical facilities, a dry weather flow interception system, and the revitalization of the nullah.
Members then visited the Smart Site Safety System Control Centre, which leverages artificial intelligence to proactively detect potential hazards during construction and issue real-time alerts, effectively safeguarding worker safety by preventing industrial accidents caused by falling from heights and lifting mishaps.
Afterwards, Members observed demonstrations of the remote-controlled tower crane system and welding robots respectively to understand how the technologies enable operators to control the cranes remotely from a ground-level control room, reducing risks of working at height; while a single worker can control multiple welding robots to complete standard processes, boosting welding efficiency and enhancing the working environment.
Members also visited the All-in-One Training Centre to experience firsthand the use of immersive technologies in training, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, which simulate potential dangers and accident scenarios at construction sites in order to raise workers’ safety awareness. During the visit, Members also exchanged views with representatives of the government on the extensive use of innovative technologies in construction sites, and encouraged the administration to proactively promote the adoption of artificial intelligence and robotic technology in the construction industry, so as to raise the quality, safety and productivity of projects.
A total of 16 members and non-members of the Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics participated in the visit.
LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics visits construction site of Yuen Long Barrage and Nullah Improvement Schemes Project Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police
Following the case of a crocodile found yesterday (June 24) on the podium of a unit at Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) continued an in-depth investigation and identified a unit in the building adjacent to the podium as being involved in the case. At around 00.30am today (June 25), the HKPF, together with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), conducted a joint raid at the unit. Including the crocodile seized earlier, a total of 30 endangered reptiles were seized.
During the operation, AFCD officers found 63 reptiles, amphibians and arthropods inside the unit. Among them, 29 were endangered reptiles listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These included three rock iguanas which are listed in Appendix I to the CITES; and 10 turtles, 10 lizards and six snakes listed in Appendix II to the CITES. The species include Aldabra giant tortoises, a savannah monitor, a boa constrictor and a Burmese python, etc.
A 35-year-old local woman claimed to enforcement officers that she is the owner of the animals, and claimed that they were possessed for education purposes. As the woman was unable to produce any Licence to Possess or relevant proof, the AFCD has therefore arrested her on suspicion of illegal possession of endangered species listed in Appendices I and II to the CITES. A total of 30 endangered reptiles, including the crocodile found yesterday, were seized for further investigation. The crocodile has been preliminarily identified as an estuarine crocodile, which is a species listed in Appendix I to the CITES.
According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), unless exempted or otherwise stipulated, possession of Appendix I or Appendix II species requires a Licence to Possess or relevant documentary proof of the animals' origin.
A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years and the seized specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction."
To safeguard public safety, the AFCD strongly urges members of the public not to keep dangerous or aggressive animals in their homes. In addition, different animals have different specific needs, and wild animals have particular environmental requirements. From an animal welfare perspective, wild animals are not suitable for keeping in households.
The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and collect intelligence through various channels, and proactively take enforcement action to combat offences involving endangered species. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illegal possession of endangered species to the AFCD by calling 2150 6978 or emailing to espint@afcd.gov.hk.
Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Thirty endangered reptiles seized in joint operation by AFCD and Police Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
