Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs seized six live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $38,000, at Hong Kong International Airport today (September 28).
Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted three parcels declared as containing toy cars and toy building sets from the United States to Hong Kong. Upon inspection, the batch of live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species was found inside the three parcels.
The cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up actions.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities 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).
Hong Kong Customs seized six live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species with an estimated market value of about $38,000 at Hong Kong International Airport today (September 28). Photo shows some of the suspected scheduled endangered live turtles seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seized six live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species with an estimated market value of about $38,000 at Hong Kong International Airport today (September 28). Photo shows some of the suspected scheduled endangered live turtles seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Banking industry further extends loan repayment grace period for affected individuals of Tai Po Fire
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), having maintained close communication with the banking industry to follow up on the needs of individuals affected by the Tai Po fire, announced today (September 28) a further extension of the credit support measures.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Photo source: reference image
Recognising that some affected residents may need time to complete their housing and financial-related arrangements, the banking industry agreed to continue providing the below support measures following discussions with the HKMA and HKAB:
(1) Extend the repayment grace period for various loans: All 28 retail banks will further extend the repayment grace period (including principal and interest) for existing mortgages, personal loans, credit card loans, etc, of affected individuals by an additional six months to the end of May 2027. Such extension aims to alleviate the financial burden of affected individuals and provide them with greater flexibility in making long-term housing arrangements.
(2) Flexibly handle Wang Fuk Court (WFC) mortgage matters: All the WFC mortgagee banks will continue to assist WFC mortgagors and borrowers who sell their property rights to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The banks will handle their mortgages in a flexible manner, including further extending the repayment grace period (including principal and interest) for the original mortgage loan until the newly-purchased unit is ready for intake. The relevant banks will also maintain close communication with the mortgagors and borrowers to facilitate a smooth transition to their long-term housing arrangements.
In March this year, the HKMA and HKAB introduced measures in support of the Government's long-term housing arrangements for WFC. The banking industry has since actively communicated with relevant Government departments and stakeholders to implement the various details of the mortgage arrangements. The HKMA, HKAB and the banking industry will continue to closely follow up on the needs of affected residents through the existing communication mechanism and provide appropriate assistance to each individual case in an empathetic and flexible manner.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo source: reference image
