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2024
The Government has said it is highly concerned about the temporary suspension of operations announced by a fitness and beauty group on September 6, adding that an inter-departmental team has been set up in response. Customs and Police will investigate whether any offences have been committed either in relation to unfair trade practices under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), or on other counts. Appropriate enforcement actions will be taken if any violations are found to have occurred. As of 4pm today, Customs and Police had received 733 and 19 complaints, respectively, regarding the group. Customs urged consumers who have purchased fitness or beauty services from the group to contact the department as soon as possible. Members of the public can report any suspected violations of the TDO to the department’s 24-hour hotline, on 2545 6182, to its dedicated crime-reporting email account, or by filling out an online form. The department reminded traders they must comply with the TDO’s requirements. It added that consumers should procure services from reputable businesses and be prudent when prepaying for services. Furthermore, they should keep relevant records such as transaction receipts and contracts after purchasing services. Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence if at time of accepting payment the trader intends not to supply the product, or intends to supply a materially different product, or if there are no reasonable grounds for believing the trader will be able to supply the product within a specified or reasonable period. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years. The Police Force’s Commercial Crime Bureau has also set up a task force to investigate fraud and false statement offences. It urged the public to report any relevant information to the department’s 24-hour hotline, on 2860 5012.
Members of the public can register for free tickets, from September 11 to 13, to join a parade and fun day on October 1 in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Led by the Security Bureau, its disciplined services and auxiliary services, together with youth uniformed groups will hold the event at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O from 10am to 5pm. The event’s highlight will be a parade by disciplined services and youth uniformed groups at 2.30pm. There will also be a flag-raising ceremony, and an appliance parade along with music performances. In addition, there will be an exhibition and game booths, rescue and training demonstrations by the Fire Services Department (FSD), as well as a display of Government Flying Service aircraft, providing the public with a rare opportunity to view the equipment up close. Citizens can apply for a maximum of four QR code admission tickets from September 11 to 13 via the latest version of the FSD mobile application. The tickets will be allocated by a computer ballot, and successful applicants will receive a notification through the application on September 17. Email [email protected] for programme and ticketing enquiries.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today rejected the misleading and untruthful remarks on Hong Kong's legal system and business environment in the so-called updated "business advisory" issued by various departments of the US government which tried to create panic. It said in a statement that it is necessary to make clarifications to set the record straight. The Hong Kong SAR Government said the successful implementation of the laws relevant to safeguarding national security in the city has brought about a stable and safe environment conducive to business and investment. Under “one country, two systems”, the rule of law in Hong Kong is strong and robust, with the common law system aligning with major global financial hubs, it added. The statement pointed out that Hong Kong ranked fifth in global competitiveness this year, and its foreign direct investment inflow was the fourth largest in the world last year. Hong Kong was also the world's 10th largest trading entity in merchandise trade. These objective facts are the best evidence that high-level security guarantees high-quality development, and cannot be altered by a so-called “business advisory” issued by the governments of some countries, the statement added. The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. The offences endangering national security stipulated by the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The statement outlined that Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had the actus reus and mens rea of an offence before the defendant may be convicted by the court. It also made it clear that the laws and work relevant to safeguarding national security in the city will not affect normal business operations and local institutions, organisations and individuals that engage in normal exchanges worldwide. Law-abiding persons will not engage in acts and activities endangering national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, the statement said. The Hong Kong SAR Government also said the extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the NSL and the SNSO fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. It can be seen that the national security laws of various countries also have extraterritorial effect under the “personality principle” and the “protective principle”, the Hong Kong SAR Government added. As a matter of fact, during the public consultation of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, 98.6% of the submissions of opinions showed support and gave positive comments, reflecting a strong consensus in society for the legislation, and it is also the people’s aspiration. After the SNSO was passed by the Legislative Council unanimously, members of the public and various sectors of the community, including the commercial sector and major chambers of commerce, the legal sector, real estate association, the youth sector, other professional sectors and political parties, welcomed and voiced support for the legislation, the statement said. According to a survey conducted by a major foreign chamber of commerce early this year, almost 80% of its members interviewed expressed confidence in Hong Kong's rule of law, and almost 70% expressed that their operations had not been impacted by the NSL. Meanwhile, another major foreign chamber of commerce's survey released last month revealed that business confidence in Hong Kong almost matched the pre-COVID-19 level. The Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that business communities from different countries have recognised the city’s advantages and have been enthusiastic about doing business here, as is evident by their continuous significant direct investments made in Hong Kong after the implementation of legislation of the NSL and SNSO. Invest Hong Kong has completed 358 projects in the first seven months this year, representing a substantial 40% increase as compared with that in the same period last year. Among them, 32 completed projects were from the US, which was ranked at the third place. In addition, according to the Report on Annual Survey of Companies in Hong Kong with Parent Companies Located outside Hong Kong, the number of companies stationed in Hong Kong exceeded 9,000 again in 2023 and the US was also ranked at third place, with 1,273 companies. All in all, the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success remains intact, the Hong Kong SAR Government said. It urges the US government to stop making false and baseless accusations about the situation in Hong Kong and trying to create panic by issuing the so-called “business advisory” to US companies and individuals operating in Hong Kong. As a free and open international city, Hong Kong continues to welcome overseas companies, including American companies, to make full use of the business opportunities introduced by Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to set up offices in Hong Kong, and take the city as their regional headquarters or regional offices.
The Police Force today launched the “HKPF Recruit” mobile application and announced that the efficiency of the Recruit Police Constable (RPC) selection process will be enhanced starting from September 9. The new app allows members of the public to submit police job applications via their mobile phones. Applicants can use it to track the progress of their applications, including interview schedules and results, and to enroll in recruitment activities such as the Police Recruitment Experience and Assessment Day and the Police Mentorship Programme. The app is available for download from the Huawei AppGallery, Google Play and the Apple App Store. Additionally, the Police Recruitment Division will roll out the RPC “2-in-1 Express” on September 9. The initiative gives RPC applicants who have demonstrated adequate preparation and outstanding performance in a group interview the option to attend a final interview on the same day through the “2-in-1 Express”. This will encourage applicants to prepare for the final interview as early as possible and will significantly expedite the whole selection process for the most promising RPC applicants, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Police Force in terms of its intake of quality candidates. From September 13 to October 21, the “Police University Recruitment Express (PURE)” will be held at 12 local universities. It will feature a police career showcase, exclusive fast-track applications, on-the-spot written exams for Probationary Inspector roles, and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test. The Recruitment Division will also visit Jinan University in Guangdong from October 29 to November, and Huaqiao University in Fujian from November 5 to 8 to facilitate the admission process for Hong Kong students studying on the Mainland through the “Hong Kong PURE (Mainland)”. The Common Recruitment Examination in Beijing and Shanghai will take place on December 7, and the Recruitment Division will conduct recruitment activities there for Hong Kong students who are interested in joining the Police Force.
Customs expressed that it is highly concerned after a chain fitness and beauty group suddenly announced that it would be suspending operations at all branches today. It explained that it had received four complaints as of 4.30pm today regarding the chain group concerned. Apart from appealing to consumers who have purchased fitness or beauty services from the chain group to contact the department as soon as possible, Customs stated that it will contact complainants for case details in order to commence an investigation. It also set up a dedicated team to follow up with a view to handling the cases promptly and stressed that it will continue to closely monitor the situation. Should there be any violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), Customs made it clear that will take decisive enforcement action. In addition to reminding traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO, Customs reminded consumers to procure services at reputable shops and consider prudently before making decisions for consumption with prepayment. After purchasing services, they should keep the relevant records, such as transaction receipts and contracts, which can become basic information in case a complaint is lodged in the future, it added.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, while leading a delegation, called on Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong in Beijing this evening. During the meeting with Mr Xia, Mr Tang expressed gratitude to the central government for its long-standing and staunch support for the Security Bureau and its disciplined services. He also briefed Mr Xia on the key areas of work. Mr Tang and the delegation, which includes directorate officers from six disciplined services, arrived in Beijing yesterday to commence a five-day study and exchange programme organised by the Ministry of Public Security. After watching a flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square this morning, the delegation attended sharing sessions and study courses held at the National Academy of Governance and the International College of Defence Studies of the National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army. Mr Tang will lead the delegation to visit the National Anti-Fraud Center tomorrow morning, and will travel to Fujian in the afternoon to meet the provincial leaders and officials of the Provincial Public Security Department. Mr Tang plans to depart for Jiangsu on September 8 where he will attend the 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) on September 9, along with Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee. Mr Tang will return to Hong Kong on September 10.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung will lead directorate officers from six disciplined services to visit Beijing and Fujian on a study and exchange trip from tomorrow. Mr Tang will attend sharing sessions and study courses at the National Academy of Governance and the International College of Defence Studies at the National Defense University of the People’s Liberation Army, and meet Mainland officials. Members of the delegation will include Commissioner of Customs & Excise Louise Ho, Director of Immigration Kwok Joon-fung, Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung, Government Flying Service Controller West Wu, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Chow Yat-ming, and directorate officers of the relevant departments. On September 9, Mr Tang and Commissioner of Police Siu Chak-yee will attend the 2024 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) in Jiangsu. The security chief will return to Hong Kong on September 10. During his absence, Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk will be Acting Secretary.
The Immigration Department today implemented the Advance Passenger Information System, which requires aircraft operators to comply with the Immigration (Advance Passenger Information) Regulation by transmitting to the department advance information about flights and passengers heading to Hong Kong. The department said the arrangement allows Hong Kong to meet the Convention on International Civil Aviation’s aviation security requirements and to align the city with other aviation hubs worldwide. It added that it enhances the department’s passenger clearance and enforcement capabilities, allowing it to prevent undesirables, including potential non-refoulement claimants, from boarding flights heading to Hong Kong. The department explained that during check-in for Hong Kong-bound flights, aircraft operators will capture the required advance passenger information from travellers’ travel documents and transmit the data for each traveller, along with aircraft information, to the system. The system will instantly process the information and provide a response message for each traveller back to the aircraft operator. Messages will direct operators to allow or not allow specific travellers to board the aircraft. To allow sufficient time for over 100 aircraft operators to connect to the system and ensure it runs in a smooth and orderly manner, the rollout will be carried out in phases, the department added. A transitional period of around 12 months will also be adopted. The offences and defences, and the miscellaneous provisions under Parts 4 and 5 of the regulation will come into effect after the transitional period. The department stressed that the freedom to travel and the right of Hong Kong residents to enter or leave Hong Kong are guaranteed under Article 31 of the Basic Law and Article 8 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. It added that such freedoms and rights are not affected by the system’s implementation and that the system will not issue a no-board direction against Hong Kong permanent residents who enjoy the right of abode in Hong Kong.
Police’s National Security Department today arrested a man and a woman, aged 41 and 28, on suspicion of committing an act or acts with seditious intention, contravening Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Police conducted searches at the arrested people’s residences with a court warrant, where light boxes, materials for making light boxes and relevant electronic communication devices were seized. The arrestees are now being detained for investigation. The investigation revealed that the arrested woman was suspected of publishing fraudulent “last words” of the deceased in relation to a recent suicide case, while the arrested man was suspected of persistently placing so-called “memorial light boxes” in various places, with contents provoking hatred towards the central authorities and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. An enforcement action is ongoing. Police remind the public that committing an act or acts with seditious intention is a serious offence, and offenders are liable to seven years’ imprisonment on first conviction. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.
A delegation of 2024 Paris Olympic Games Mainland Olympians, including 22 athletes and three coaches, met members of the disciplined services and auxiliary services, as well as their youth uniformed groups, today. Held at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy, the event involved some 900 participants. In an opening speech, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung remarked that members of the public will be able to vividly recall the moments when they watched the Mainland Olympians strive for honours for the country. Acknowledging the athletes’ resilience, skills, and selflessness in contributing to the country, he said these are qualities that are shared by the disciplined services. He also expressed hope that members of the disciplined services and youth uniformed groups would take the chance to learn from the Olympians, while showing them the highest respect and admiration. During the event, the Mainland Olympians – representing 10 different sports – displayed their skills and shared their experiences with the audience. In a subsequent group activity, the heads of various services, along with members of the services and of the youth uniformed groups, formed teams with the athletes to pull special-purpose vehicles and a fixed-wing aircraft, in a demonstration of co-operation.