Secretary for Security Inspects Huanggang Port Preparations Ahead of Official Opening

S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area

The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, inspected the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area today (July 31) and received briefings from relevant departments on the Port's facilities preparations. He also chaired an interdepartmental working group meeting to make every effort to advance all preparatory work before the Port opens.

After arriving at the Hong Kong Port Area of the Huanggang Port Building, Mr Tang toured multiple levels, including the public transport interchange; passenger clearance halls (arrival and departure); vehicle clearance facilities (arrival and departure) and the immigration clearance hall for on-board passengers. He also conducted on-site reviews of the installation progress of different facilities, including the "collaborative inspection" automated channels and manual counters; and the "joint one-stop" vehicle lanes, etc. He then had an interdepartmental meeting with representatives from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Transport Department, Highways Department, Architectural Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Government Property Agency, Hong Kong Police Force, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, Department of Health and other relevant departments to discuss works progress, testing and drill arrangements, with a view to ensuring that Port's facilities and operational arrangements are sound and comprehensive.

The Hong Kong Port Area was established at 00.00 hours today and is subject to the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in accordance with the laws of the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government will continue to work closely with the Shenzhen side to take forward various preparatory tasks in an orderly manner, including system testing, and operational and emergency drills, to ensure that all facilities and operational arrangements at the Port are sound and comprehensive. Upon confirmation by both sides that the Port is ready for safe and smooth operation, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will finalise the official opening date and make an announcement to the public in due course.

S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

S for S inspects Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD lays charges against local coxswain and five Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (July 31) laid charges against a local coxswain and five Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages on a local vessel in waters eastof Tau Lo Chau.

During a joint operation with the Zhuhai Marine Law Enforcement Detachment yesterday (July 30), the AFCD intercepted a local vessel suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages at around 10.30am for investigation. Some fishing gear, including snake cages and winches, was seized by AFCD officers from the vessel.

After an investigation, the six persons were charged with contravening the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (August 1).

Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of the Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps also stipulate that any collapsible cage traps should not be connected in any way to one another; or should not exceed five metres in any of its extended dimensions. Hence, it is unlawful to fish using snake cages. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.

An AFCD spokesman stressed, "The Government is committed to combatting illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action."

AFCD lays charges against local coxswain and five Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD lays charges against local coxswain and five Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD lays charges against local coxswain and five Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases