Hong Kong Customs seizes dried shark fins of suspected scheduled endangered species
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 13) seized 18 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $45,000, at the Lo Wu Control Point.
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 68-year-old Mainland female passenger at the Arrival Hall of the above-mentioned control point yesterday. Upon examination, the batch of suspected scheduled dried shark fins was seized from her personal baggage. Officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) attended the scene for inspection and preliminarily identified the batch of dried shark fins as of endangered species listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance in Hong Kong. The case was handed over to the AFCD for follow-up investigation.
Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, 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 yesterday (October 13) seized 18 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins of endangered species at the Lo Wu Control Point. Photo shows the seized dried shark fins. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Housing Authority highly concerned about serious deficiencies in lift replacement works at two estates under Tenants Purchase Scheme
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:
The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) said on October 15 that it has been informed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) that there were serious deficiencies during the lift replacement works at two estates under the Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS), namely Pok Hong Estate in Sha Tin and Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong, in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Although a fire resisting rating certificate was submitted regarding the fire resisting doorsets, including door frame components, it was found that only the fire resisting doors were installed as required, but Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited did not install the corresponding door frame components. Though the absence of these door frame components in the lifts concerned is a non-compliance, the lifts can still operate safely.
As the owner of the unsold units in the two aforementioned TPS estates, the HA is highly concerned about the incident. The HA is maintaining close contact with the EMSD to seriously follow up on the incident and pursue the liabilities of Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) Limited.
Among all TPS estates, only the lift replacement works in the two aforementioned estates were undertaken by this company. For another TPS estate, Fu Heng Estate, which is currently preparing for lift replacement, the contract has not yet been awarded. The HA has immediately and proactively advised the Incorporated Owners of Fu Heng Estate to suspend the award of the contract, and will provide all necessary support to the Incorporated Owners regarding the incident, including assisting them in studying the follow-up arrangements, to safeguard the overall interests and safety of all residents.
Source: AI-found images