FEHD Acts on Rodent Sightings at Mong Kok's Langham Place, Urging Improved Cleaning and Anti-Rodent Measures

FEHD issues Notice of Elimination of Vermin to Langham Place in Mong Kok

In response to media enquiries regarding the rodent sightings in Langham Place in Mong Kok, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (July 30) that the department has long attached great importance to the prevention and control of rodent infestation, and it will proactively follow up on any premises where poor hygiene conditions lead to such infestation.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Upon learning of the rodent sightings at the shopping centre concerned this morning, the FEHD immediately deployed staff to inspect its common areas and food premises. During the inspection, signs of rodent activity and holes in false ceilings were found, and a licensed food premises was found to have an improperly covered rubbish bin in its food room. These could not only make it easy for rodents to enter and exit, but also provide them with food sources and hiding spots. The situation was deemed unsatisfactory. The FEHD staff provided hygiene education and advice on rodent prevention and control measures to the shopping centre's management and staff, which include the implementation of effective pest control measures and reminders to maintain personal, food, and environmental hygiene at all times. The department learnt that the shopping centre concerned has already arranged for a pest control company to conduct thorough cleaning and strengthen anti-rodent measures.

The spokesman stressed that owners or occupiers of private premises (including indoor venues such as shopping centres) are responsible for clearing rodents within their premises. The persons in charge of private premises must earnestly fulfil their legal responsibilities and proactively implement effective rodent prevention and control measures.

In view of the inspection results today, the FEHD officers issued a Notice of Elimination of Vermin, in accordance with Section 47(1) of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), requiring the property management of Langham Place in Mong Kok to take necessary steps to remove conditions conducive to rodent infestation by August 6, failing which prosecution may be instituted. Meanwhile, the FEHD staff also issued a verbal warning to the person in charge of the relevant food premises, requiring rectification of the irregularity.

The FEHD will continue to monitor the hygienic condition of Langham Place in Mong Kok and take appropriate actions to safeguard environmental hygiene and public health. If any premises is found with poor hygiene condition, mishandling of food or refuse, or possibly causing rodent infestation, the department will adopt appropriate enforcement actions depending on actual circumstances, in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) and its subsidiary legislation, with a view to safeguarding public health.

Langham Place in Mong Kok, Photo source: online image

The spokesman reiterated that the FEHD has always attached great importance to environmental hygiene, and rodent infestation is of particular concern. The department implements targeted anti-rodent measures across all districts and strengthens inspections and enforcement according to risk assessments to stringently combat irregularities that could lead to rodent infestation or affect public health, including actively inspecting private premises and issuing statutory Notice of Elimination of Vermin to relevant property managements or building owners.

As for Mong Kok District, the FEHD has issued 10 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin over the past six months, and has also issued 122 fixed penalty notices to individuals who violated cleansing regulations in the vicinity of the shopping centre. In addition to daily cleaning and anti-rodent work in public areas, the FEHD had stepped up cleaning and anti-rodent measures in public places near the shopping centre concerned, including increasing the number of mouse traps and bait boxes in nearby rear lanes, as well as increasing the frequency of cleaning and inspections in these areas to enhance the effectiveness of rodent control.

Rodent control requires the participation of all sectors of society, focusing on three aspects, namely food, harbourage, and passages: cutting off food sources, eliminating hiding places, and preventing entry into premises. Examples include properly storing food and kitchen waste, keeping premises clean inside and out, avoiding the accumulation of refuse, and promptly sealing holes and crevices in walls, doors, pipes, and other areas that could allow rodents to enter, so as to reduce the risk of rodent infestation.

The FEHD will continue to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders and to raise public awareness of environmental hygiene through publicity and education, encouraging the adoption of good living habits to reduce rodent infestation risks at source.

Rodent sightings in Langham Place in Mong Kok, Photo source: Threads image

Rodent sightings in Langham Place in Mong Kok, Photo source: Threads image

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 30) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of precious stones and jewellery containing precious metals and stones valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. An investigation is ongoing.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration 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).

Source: AI-found images