Commission on Children Convenes 28th Meeting, Visits Jockey Club Key House

Commission on Children convenes 28th meeting, visits Jockey Club Key House

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (September 3) chaired the 28th meeting of the Commission on Children, and led its members to visit the Jockey Club Key House (Key House) in Shau Kei Wan.

SideBySide launched the Jockey Club "Craft Your Life Together" Co-living Community Project at the Key House, which is the first service unit in Hong Kong that provides a one-stop accommodation, life planning and diversified social connection support services for youths lacking family support.

At the meeting, representatives of the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Centum Charitas Foundation and SidebySide briefed members on the new Centum Youth Power up (Pilot) Scheme which provides transitional support to young people leaving residential child care services but without family support. Members acknowledged the synergy achieved by the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community in empowering young people with the necessary support.

The Pilot Scheme has been launched in line with the policies in relation to strengthening family cohesion and safeguarding children in the Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address. It aims to assist young people who are leaving residential child care services and who may feel lost and helpless as they enter into society, so that they can confidently and more seamlessly transition to an independent new stage of life.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (September 3) chaired the 28th meeting of the Commission on Children, and led members to visit the Jockey Club Key House in Shau Kei Wan. Photo shows Mr Chan (eighth left); the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun (ninth right); the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau (seventh right); the Council Chairman of the Centum Charitas Foundation, Dr Raymond Lee (seventh left); Deputy Chief Executive of SidebySide Ms John Cheung (eighth right); and the Council Secretary General of the Centum Charitas Foundation, Ms Anthea Lo (sixth right), after touring the Key House. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (September 3) chaired the 28th meeting of the Commission on Children, and led members to visit the Jockey Club Key House in Shau Kei Wan. Photo shows Mr Chan (third left) and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun (first left), listening to an introduction to the Key House. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (September 3) chaired the 28th meeting of the Commission on Children, and led members to visit the Jockey Club Key House in Shau Kei Wan. Photo shows Mr Chan (second right), the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun (second left), and the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Edward To (first left), viewing youth accommodation facilities at the Key House. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (September 3) chaired the 28th meeting of the Commission on Children, and led members to visit the Jockey Club Key House in Shau Kei Wan. Photo shows Mr Chan (centre), the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun (second left), and the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau (first right), visiting youth accommodation facilities at the Key House. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (September 3) chaired the 28th meeting of the Commission on Children, and led members to visit the Jockey Club Key House in Shau Kei Wan. Photo shows Mr Chan (first row, centre); the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun (first row, second left); the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Alice Lau (first row, first left); the Council Chairman of the Centum Charitas Foundation, Dr Raymond Lee (first row, second right); Deputy Chief Executive of SidebySide Ms John Cheung (first row, first right); and the Council Secretary General of the Centum Charitas Foundation, Ms Anthea Lo (second row, second right), with members. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (September 3) chaired the 28th meeting of the Commission on Children, and led members to visit the Jockey Club Key House in Shau Kei Wan. Photo shows Mr Chan (centre) chairs the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns at Sai Wan Estate

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 12) conducted joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns with a member of the Central and Western District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Housing Department (HD) and the Hong Kong Police Force at Sai Wan Estate. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.

Customs officers patrolled the housing estate and introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes, and reminded them that the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes has been increased to a $2 million fine and seven-years' imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.

Customs officers also introduced to the District Council member and residents the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat "cheap whites".

Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns at Sai Wan Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaigns at Sai Wan Estate Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases