Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH urges public to get vaccinated after Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes commences on September 17 as two cases of severe paediatric influenza infection reported
Severe paediatric influenza infection cases
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The CHP today recorded two cases of severe paediatric influenza infection, both had not received SIV during the previous season (2025/26).
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, cough and drowsiness on September 9. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of Pok Oi Hospital on the same day, and was immediately transferred and admitted to the paediatric ward of Tuen Mun Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital for further treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock and encephalitis. The patient remains hospitalised at the PICU in serious condition. The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that his household contacts remain asymptomatic.
The second case involves a six-year-old boy with underlying illnesses. He developed a fever and myalgia on September 5, followed by runny nose, sore throat and cough on the following day. He was taken to the AED of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on September 6 and 7. As his symptoms worsened, he sought medical attention at the AED of QEH again on September 8 and was admitted on the same day. With his condition further deteriorated, he was admitted to the PICU of the hospital for further treatment on September 9. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. The patient remains hospitalised at the PICU in serious condition. The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that one of his household contacts had developed mild fever recently but has now recovered.
“Since the current influenza season started in late June, a cumulative total of 19 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded to date. Among these cases, nine patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, five patients are in stable condition, two are in serious condition, two are in critical condition and one has passed away. Owing to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months, the number of infections and severe cases have substantially increased. Moreover, with increased group activities after the start of the new school year, we anticipate that influenza activity will remain at a high level in the coming weeks, whilst influenza outbreaks in schools are expected. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
Seasonal influenza activity
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According to the latest surveillance data (for the week of August 30 to September 5), the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 13.05 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.83 cases per 10 000 population. Both indicators showed a significant increase from the previous week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H1) (82 per cent), followed by influenza A (H3) (14 per cent).
There has been a significant increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks in schools since September. As of September 9, a total of 73 outbreaks have been reported in schools since the start of the school year in September, including 21 cases in kindergartens/child care centres, 38 cases in primary schools and 14 cases in secondary schools, involving a total of 398 people. Separately, ILI outbreaks in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) rose to 23, involving 134 people.
SIV Programmes
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The 2026/27 SIV Programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme, the Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme and the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS), will commence on September 17.
The Government has introduced a new e-consent form feature this year. Parents already registered with eHealth accounts could submit the e-consent forms for their children via the eHealth mobile app starting from August 17. To date, over 90 000 students have submitted the e-consent forms via eHealth. The DH notes that some schools have opted for consent forms in hard copies, while some other schools have yet to distribute school-specific QR codes to parents. The DH urges schools to participate in using the e-consent forms, and distribute the school-specific QR codes to parents as soon as possible, so that parents can complete the consent procedures for their children earlier. In addition, members of the public can submit their e-consent forms via the eHealth mobile app starting from September 17, and get vaccinated afterwards at a private clinic joining the VSS, enabling a paperless experience. This new measure not only facilitates the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools.
“Data analysis shows that the rate of severe complications or death after contracting seasonal influenza was about five times higher among unvaccinated children than among vaccinated children. Similarly, the rate of severe complications among residents aged 65 years or older living in RCHEs who did not receive the SIV last year was approximately four times higher than among vaccinated residents. SIV is undoubtedly one of the most effective ways to prevent serious cases of seasonal influenza and its complications. As it takes two weeks for the body to develop sufficient antibodies after receiving SIV, I urge members of the public to get vaccinated as early as possible,” Dr Tsui added.
To prevent respiratory diseases, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene at all times. Given the current high levels of respiratory disease activity, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear surgical masks when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. Those with symptoms of a respiratory infection, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask, avoid crowded areas and seek medical advice promptly. If symptomatic individuals live with high-risk or immunocompromised persons, they should also wear a surgical mask at home to minimise the risk of cross-infection. They should also ensure proper ventilation indoors and enhance the cleaning and disinfection of the household environment.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s COVID-19 & Flu ExpressIssued at HKT 20:32
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Cluster of Influenza A cases in TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) made the following announcement today (September 10):
Five male patients (aged 60 to 95) in a Tuberculosis and Chest Ward, three female patients (aged 82 to 94) in an infirmary ward and two staff members at WTSH were found with fever and respiratory symptoms since September 7. All patients and staff members were tested positive for influenza A. The patients concerned are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. Two staff members are on sick leave.
The hospital has performed contact tracing investigation in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. Enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Application of stringent droplet precautions.
The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
CE meets Shenzhen official
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee met Secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee Jin Lei at Government House today to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and several agreements between the two places.
Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong and Shenzhen have long maintained close ties in areas such as economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges. Under the Hong Kong and Shenzhen co-operation mechanism, the two places have established various task forces to continuously enhance collaboration in different key areas.
The agreements signed today cover multiple sectors, including finance, innovation and technology (I&T) and support services for enterprises going global, further advancing broader, deeper and higher-level co-operation between the two cities. They will continue to work together to inject stronger impetus into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
He said that, under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its strengths as an international financial centre and its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”.
Through the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, Hong Kong will continue helping Shenzhen and other Mainland enterprises expand into international markets, he added.
China is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2026, and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will be held in Shenzhen. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will spare no effort in ensuring the success of the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting to be held in Hong Kong, further deepening international exchanges and co-operation, while better integrating into and serving the overall national development.
Mr Lee added that Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan, which will be announced soon, will set out a blueprint for the city’s future development and enable it to seize the enormous opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong is pressing ahead at full speed with the development of the Northern Metropolis.
According to the Global Innovation Index 2026, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally once again, fully demonstrating the strong capabilities and broad prospects of Hong Kong and Shenzhen in I&T development.
The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to promote the collaborative development of the “one zone, two parks” concept within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, jointly contributing to the country’s development as a technology powerhouse.
At the same time, the Government is making every effort to prepare for the smooth commissioning of the Huanggang Port. More than 100 system tests and drills of varying scales have been conducted, and port operation arrangements are being continuously optimised, aiming to boost cross-boundary clearance efficiency, service capacity and cross-city synergy.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse Siu-wa, Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk, and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.
Summit helps Mainland firms go global
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The 11th Belt & Road Summit entered its second day at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, featuring a newly introduced “Go Global Chapter” and a dedicated GoGlobal Connect Zone designed to assist Mainland enterprises in expanding their international footprint.
Speaking at a thematic breakout session today, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau highlighted Hong Kong’s role as the ideal platform for Mainland businesses venturing overseas. He noted that the Government’s GoGlobal Task Force has achieved substantial progress since its establishment last October.
“We have assisted over 300 Chinese Mainland enterprises in setting up or expanding business in Hong Kong; organised more than 20 promotional events; and engaged over 5,000 representatives of Chinese Mainland enterprises,” Mr Yau said.
He added that the Northern Metropolis development will unlock new land and prospects for Mainland companies to explore global opportunities.
Business leaders attending the forum echoed these sentiments, pointing to Hong Kong’s unique strategic advantages. Based at the Science and Technology Park since 2023, 3D mapping technology firm Chief Executive Officer Chen Li shared that operating in the city has accelerated her company’s internationalisation by offering crucial expertise to navigate global market standards, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.
Recalling her participation in a Chief Executive-led delegation to Central Asia in June, Ms Chen emphasised Hong Kong’s influence, credibility and ability to build direct bridges with international stakeholders.
Similarly, Ren Junfei, founder and Chief Executive Officer of a financial services company, hailed the summit as an invaluable platform for gaining market insights across Belt & Road economies, noting that direct exchanges with consulates, embassies, government agencies and businesses pave a pathway for collaboration and opportunities.
Haze Situation Update (10 September 2026)
Source: Government of Singapore
Haze Situation Update (10 September 2026)
10 Sep 2026
Air Quality Forecast
24-hour PSI: High Moderate – Low Unhealthy
Health Advisory
Healthy persons: If 24 hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24 hr PSI is Unhealthy, reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
Elderly, pregnant women & children: If 24 hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If 24 hr PSI is Unhealthy, minimise prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
Persons with chronic lung/heart disease: If 24 hr PSI is Moderate, normal activities. If PSI is Unhealthy, avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion.
Refer to the 1-hr PM2.5 for immediate activities, and the 24-hr PSI forecast to plan ahead.
Singapore, 10 September 2026 – Showers occurred over Singapore today. As at 6pm, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 38 – 70 µg/m3, in Band 1 – 2 (Normal to Elevated), and the 24-hr PSI was 73 – 104, in the Moderate – Unhealthy range.
Update on Hotspot and Haze Situation
- Moderate to dense smoke plumes continue to be detected from fires in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. Smoke plumes from southern Sumatra were observed to drift towards Singapore.
- Some showers are forecast mostly over northern and central Sumatra in the next few days. As dry conditions are expected to continue over Kalimantan and southern Sumatra, there is a risk of smoke haze affecting Singapore should the fires persist, under the prevailing southeasterly or southerly winds. The 24-hr PSI for Singapore is forecast to be in the High Moderate – Low Unhealthy range.
Activity Guidelines
- The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. For immediate outdoor activities, please check the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings and personal guide. Use the 24-hr PSI forecast and corresponding health advisories for planning next day outdoor activities.
- For updates, visit our haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), MSS website ( www.weather.gov.sg), mobile app (myENV) or follow us on NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore). For information on the distribution of hotspots detected over the past fortnight in the region, please refer to the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) website at http://asmc.asean.org.
Areas with lighter smoke haze are not indicated as they cannot be clearly discerned from satellite imagery.
– End –
President Lai receives credentials from new Palau Ambassador Gaafar J. Uherbelau
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
On the afternoon of September 9, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Palau to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Gaafar J. Uherbelau. In remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Palau are linked by deep Austronesian cultural roots and share the values of freedom and democracy. The president expressed gratitude to Palau for consistently speaking up for Taiwan and staunchly backing Taiwan’s participation in the international community. He also expressed hope that the two nations will continue to support each other on the international stage, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various areas, and together create a prosperous, smart, and sustainable future.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
It gives me great pleasure to receive the credentials of Ambassador Uherbelau. On behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to you as you assume your new post here.
Ambassador Uherbelau possesses a wealth of experience. He has served in such key positions as minister of health and human services, deputy incident commander at the Emergency Operations Center, and special advisor to the president on health, roles in which he has worked tirelessly for public health and medicine in Palau. In 2023, then-Minister of Health Uherbelau attended the Global Health and Welfare Forum in Taiwan, where he advanced health-related exchanges between our countries. Ambassador Uherbelau has long enjoyed the confidence of the government of Palau. His appointment as ambassador to Taiwan by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. further demonstrates Palau’s high regard and expectations for our nations’ diplomatic ties.
Taiwan and Palau have maintained increasingly close interactions over the past two years and more. In 2024, I visited Palau shortly after taking office; in 2025, President Whipps led a delegation to Taiwan; this June, Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao paid a visit to Palau. At the end of last month, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attended the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), which was hosted by Palau. In the course of these exchanges, we have jointly witnessed the fruits of our cooperation in various areas, and our ties have continued to deepen.
In view of changes in the regional and geopolitical landscapes, I would especially like to thank the government of Palau. Whether at the PIF, the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Assembly, or other important global meetings, you have spoken up for Taiwan and staunchly backed our participation in the international community. The Taiwanese people are deeply touched by this warm friendship.
Taiwan and Palau are linked by deep Austronesian cultural roots and share the values of freedom and democracy. I look forward to our two countries continuing to support each other on the international stage. Let us deepen our exchanges and collaboration across every domain and contribute all we can to the development of Palau, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific region. Together, we can create a prosperous, smart, and sustainable future.
In closing, I once again welcome Ambassador Uherbelau to Taiwan. Please convey our heartfelt wishes to President Whipps and all our good friends in Palau. I am confident that, through joint efforts, our diplomatic ties will reach even greater heights.
Ambassador Uherbelau then delivered remarks, first conveying warm greetings from President Whipps and the government and people of the Republic of Palau to President Lai. He said it is a distinct honor and privilege to present his letters of credence accrediting him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Palau to the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Ambassador Uherbelau recalled that in May 1984, the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund dispatched its first technical mission to Palau to address challenges in food production. In many ways, he said, those dedicated professionals were among the earliest to represent the relationship between Taiwan and Palau, laying the foundation for the close partnership our two nations enjoy today. He added that 15 years later, in 1999, Palau and Taiwan established formal diplomatic relations, opening new avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors of mutual interest.
Ambassador Uherbelau noted that beyond official ties, the friendship between Palau and Taiwan is rooted in the shared cultural heritage of our peoples. As members of the broader Austronesian family, he said, Palau and Taiwan share ancestral connections that span generations and reflect a common appreciation for the ocean, the environment, community, the preservation of culture, and the advancement of human development. Those connections are beautifully reflected in the voyages of the Alingano Maisu, he noted, whose journey across the Pacific celebrated the revival of traditional navigation, ancestral knowledge, and the enduring relationship between Austronesian peoples. Its voyages between Palau and Taiwan, he said, serve as a powerful reminder that the ocean has never separated our communities, but has instead kept them connected through shared histories, cultural traditions, and a deep respect for the sea that sustains our people. These shared roots continue to provide a meaningful foundation for the friendship and cooperation that Palau and Taiwan continue to strengthen today.
Ambassador Uherbelau said that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan’s partnership with Palau continues to embody a people-centered approach, delivering meaningful and lasting impacts for the peoples and communities of both nations. This enduring cooperation is reflected in the many Palauan students who have pursued their education in Taiwan and returned home as skilled professionals contributing to their nation’s development; in the patients who have received exceptional medical care in Taiwan’s leading hospitals and returned home with renewed health and hope; and in the technical experts who have worked hand in hand with Palauan communities to share knowledge, build capacity, and strengthen resilience. These exchanges, he said, represent the true foundation of the relationship: the lasting friendships and bonds between our peoples that grow stronger with each passing year, reflecting the depth and breadth of the partnership Palau and Taiwan share.
Ambassador Uherbelau expressed sincere appreciation for President Lai’s decision, together with Vice President Hsiao, to make Palau among the first destinations of their official visits following the commencement of the administration. He also expressed appreciation for the recent and highly productive visit of the Taiwan delegation led by Minister Lin to the 55th PIF. These visits, he said, are a profound demonstration of the importance President Lai places on the friendship between Palau and Taiwan.
Ambassador Uherbelau said that he begins his tenure with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to nurturing the friendship entrusted to him. He pledged to work diligently to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, expand opportunities for our peoples, and uphold the shared values that continue to unite our two nations.
HKMA, HKEX, DFSA and Nasdaq Dubai establish Strategic Working Group to deepen co-operation between financial markets
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and Nasdaq Dubai today (September 10) jointly announced the establishment of a Strategic Working Group to strengthen ties between the financial markets of Hong Kong and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The Strategic Working Group brings together regulators and exchanges in Hong Kong and DIFC to explore opportunities and develop collaborative initiatives across areas that can contribute to the continued growth and attractiveness of both markets, including sustainable finance, Islamic finance, innovation, and broader capital markets development and markets connectivity.
The announcement was made during the HKMA-DFSA Joint Climate Finance Conference today in Hong Kong, which attracted over 350 participants joining in-person and online across both regions.
This conference marks the third edition of the flagship partnership initiative between the HKMA and the DFSA. It has also been the second year in which HKEX and Nasdaq Dubai are supporting the conference as strategic partners.
The establishment of the Strategic Working Group reflects progress of ongoing regulatory and market dialogues, providing a more formal framework to deepen co-operation, align priorities, and support practical outcomes.
The initiative also reflects a broader commitment to deepen institutional relationships between regulators and exchanges in both financial centres, and to further develop the economic corridor between the Middle East and Asia. Through ongoing engagement and structured collaboration, participating organisations will exchange insights on market developments, discuss emerging opportunities and challenges, and explore areas for future collaboration.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The Strategic Working Group marks another key step in deepening our institutional ties and market connectivity. By developing this collaboration mechanism, we are establishing a dedicated platform to better understand and align strategic priorities, as well as exploring new initiatives to facilitate smoother trade and investment between Asia and the Middle East.”
The Chief Executive of the DFSA, Mr Mark Steward, said, “This initiative reflects the maturing of our shared commitment to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the discovery of greater mutual benefits within the Dubai-Hong Kong corridor. Cross-market connectivity helps both markets and offers investors greater choices and rewards across both financial centres.”
The Chief Executive Officer of HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan, said, “Global capital flows are increasingly being shaped by the growing economic ties between Asia and the Middle East. As leading international financial centres at the heart of their respective regions, Hong Kong and Dubai have complementary strengths that can help facilitate the two-way flow of capital, ideas and opportunities between the two regions. HKEX’s growing commodities presence in Dubai, together with our engagement with exchanges across the UAE (United Arab Emirates), reflects our long-term commitment to this dynamic corridor. The Strategic Working Group is an important next step in translating that commitment into action by deepening collaboration, advancing market connectivity and supporting innovation and sustainable growth.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market, Mr Hamed Ali, said, “This Strategic Working Group builds on the strong collaboration between Dubai and Hong Kong. Nasdaq Dubai’s position as a leading international hub for fixed income and Islamic finance listings provides a strong platform to connect issuers and investors across the Middle East and Asia, particularly in Sukuk and sustainable finance. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration and enhancing market connectivity between the two regions.”
About Hong Kong Green Week
The 2026 edition of Hong Kong Green Week, the city’s flagship sustainability event, will take place from September 7 to 11. Themed “Future-proofing Sustainable Growth”, the week-long programme will feature a variety of events and networking opportunities, bringing together diverse and practical insights across the globe to inspire and drive collective actions towards Asia’s sustainable transformation. Visit www.hkgreenweek.hk for more details.
About HKMA-DFSA Joint Climate Finance Conference
The Conference is a flagship initiative jointly established by the HKMA and the DFSA to support and enable the continued development of climate finance across Asia and the Middle East. Themed “Driving Transition in a Changing World”, the third edition of the conference is also a main event of the Hong Kong Green Week 2026. Details of the conference can be found here.
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth about $3.9 million in “Swift Net” operation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation codenamed “Swift Net” from August 17 to September 2 to combat counterfeit and infringing goods activities involving cross-boundary transshipments and local deliveries via express parcels. During the operation, Customs detected 32 related cases and seized about 14 600 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of about $3.9 million. One person was arrested.
Through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigations, Customs officers carried out strike-and-search operations at express courier companies and logistics companies across various districts and seized the suspected counterfeit goods, which included watches, mobile phone accessories, bags, clothing, cosmetics and footwear.
After follow-up investigations, Customs believed that some of the suspected counterfeit goods would have been sold locally while the rest would have been re-exported to overseas destinations. Customs officers also organised a controlled delivery operation in respect of a batch of seized items. On August 21, Customs officers arrested a 36-year-old male consignee at a suspected counterfeit warehouse in Hung Hom. Upon investigation, about 1 240 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including bags, belts, cosmetics and footwear, with an estimated value of about $446,000 were seized inside the warehouse.
Investigations of the above-mentioned case are ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or websites to avoid buying counterfeit goods. Practitioners in the logistics industry should also comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and check with trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime, and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Customs will continue to step up inspections and conduct intelligence-led enforcement to vigorously combat different types of counterfeit and infringing goods activities.
Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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).
One person arrested for suspected illegal sale and possession of product with undeclared controlled drug ingredient
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
One person arrested for suspected illegal sale and possession of product with undeclared controlled drug ingredient (with photo)
Following up on a report received earlier, the DH purchased a product named “Natural Herbs Coffee Kopi Panggung AL-Ambiak” from a premises in Sham Shui Po. Test results from the Government Laboratory revealed that the sample contained sildenafil, which is a Part 1 poison regulated under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (the Ordinance). The product is also suspected to be an unregistered pharmaceutical product.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used under a doctor’s professional advice and supplied in a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription. Side effects of sildenafil include low blood pressure, headaches, vomiting, dizziness and transient vision disturbances. It may interact with some drugs (such as nitroglycerin for the treatment of angina) and cause blood pressure to decrease to dangerous levels. Improper use of sildenafil may pose such serious health risks, especially for patients with heart problems.
According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. In addition, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons can only be sold at the registered premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (commonly known as a pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. If any contravention of the law is suspected, the DH will take resolute enforcement action and initiate prosecutions after seeking advice from the Department of Justice. The illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons is a criminal offence. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. The DH reminded the public that illegal sale of controlled medicines under the Ordinance regardless of the sales channel (including instant messaging applications and social media platforms) carries criminal liability, and urged the public not to break the law.
The DH will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate follow-up actions.
The DH urged members of the public who have purchased the product concerned to stop consuming it immediately. They are also reminded not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. They should consult healthcare professionals if they feel unwell after consumption. They may submit the product to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 4105, 41/F, Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, during office hours for disposal.
The DH reminded members of the public that all registered pharmaceutical products carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
The public may visit the DH’s Drug Office webpage for health message on sexual dysfunction and virility productsIssued at HKT 17:55
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Hong Kong Customs seizes illegally imported live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs seizes illegally imported live turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species (with photo)
Customs officers intercepted an incoming 40-year-old local male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday. Upon examination, the four live turtles were seized from his personal baggage. Officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) attended the scene for inspection and preliminarily identified that the four live turtles were of an 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.
According to 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.hkIssued at HKT 16:55
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