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LegCo Panel on Health Services visits The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong and Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

The Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Health Services visited the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) and the Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute (GCMTI) today (February 9) to gain insight into the operations of the facilities following their opening.

Members first received a briefing by representatives from the CMHHK on the hospital’s positioning, design concept and service highlights. Members noted that the CMHHK commenced services in phases from December 11 last year. In the first year, the hospital will provide outpatient and day-patient services, launch six specialised Chinese medicine (CM) services as well as 12 CM special disease programmes, with other services expanding year by year.

Members then visited the facilities of the CMHHK, including the day wards and private clinic, to learn about patient care and the appointment procedures. They also observed a demonstration of the moxibustion treatment to gain a deeper understanding on CM culture and application. Members also inquired with the hospital representatives about the fees and charges of the hospital private clinic as well as healthcare manpower arrangement.

Afterwards, Members went to the permanent premises of the GCMTI, where they received a briefing by representatives from the Department of Health on the institute’s positioning and its work priorities. They also watched a video highlighting CM cultural heritage. Members noted that one of the missions of the GCMTI is to develop a series of internationally recognised reference standards for CM by employing advanced and innovative technology.

Members also toured the Chinese Medicines Herbarium at the GCMTI and viewed featured exhibits, including precious specimens such as cordyceps and Radix Astragali. They learnt that the collection comprises over 10 000 items, which serves as an indispensable reference for research, testing and comparative identification of CM.

A total of 12 members and non-members of the Panel on Health Services participated in the visit.

           

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Mainland delegation visits Hong Kong to ensure sufficient supply of variety of food during Chinese New Year

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Mainland delegation visits Hong Kong to ensure sufficient supply of variety of food during Chinese New Year  
     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, met with the delegation at noon and expressed gratitude for their annual visit to Hong Kong ahead of the Chinese New Year to observe the situation of the food supply from the Mainland. He said that the relevant Mainland authorities have strengthened the sources of supply and enhanced contingency plans to ensure the stability and safety of the food supply, fully demonstrating the Central Authorities’ care and support for Hong Kong. Mr Tse also shared with the delegation on how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government rolls out various new food-related initiatives to align proactively with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
 
     The delegation visited the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse in the morning to observe the transportation, auction and slaughtering of live pigs supplied to Hong Kong. Accompanied by representatives of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the delegation visited the Wan Chai Market and the Western Wholesale Food Market in the afternoon to observe the distribution and sale of fresh food.
 
     The Mainland is the primary source of agricultural products, especially live and fresh food, for Hong Kong. Relevant agencies on the Mainland have long attached great importance to the quality, safety and stability of food supplied to Hong Kong and have established a close liaison mechanism with Hong Kong. As the supply businesses of fresh food to Hong Kong have continued to grow on the Mainland, the quality and variety of food products supplied to Hong Kong have continued to improve, demonstrating the Central Government’s care for the HKSAR and playing a crucial role in stabilising the supply and prices of fresh food to Hong Kong.
Issued at HKT 19:46

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Remarks by S for S at media session on sentencing of Lai Chee-ying’s case

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Remarks by S for S at media session on sentencing of Lai Chee-ying’s case (with video) 
Secretary for Security: I think the sentence of a total of 20 years’ imprisonment has reflected the grave nature of the case. If you look at the judgment, in fact, for each of the conspiracy to commit collusion offences, the sentence has been increased from 15 years to 18 years with an additional sentence of three years. It is because the court has considered the grave nature of the case. I think the sentence in this case illustrates very clearly that any offence against national security, in particular colluding with foreign forces or external elements, is a very serious offence.Issued at HKT 19:46

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Opening remarks by S for S at media session on sentencing of Lai Chee-ying’s case

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session on the sentencing of Lai Chee-ying’s case this afternoon (February 9):
      
     Today (February 9), the court handed down the sentence of the Lai Chee-ying case.
 
Key points of sentencing

     Given the grave nature of the case, his total sentence is 20 years’ imprisonment. As for the eight other defendants, their imprisonment sentences range from six years three months to 10 years.      The heavy sentence clearly reflects the very serious nature of the offences committed by Lai Chee-ying. 

     The court’s judgment illustrates that the rule of law in Hong Kong is robust. Criminal acts will never be tolerated. No one is above the law.  
Rebuttal of smearing comments      
     Even Lai Chee-ying’s own legal representative has clarified time and again that Lai Chee-ying has been receiving suitable treatment and care in prison with no complaints.       
Staying on guard against national security risks 
Closing remarks     ???
     Thank you.

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HKSAR Government strongly condemns external forces for slandering and smearing court’s sentencing in Lai Chee-ying case

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Regarding the court’s sentencing yesterday (February 9) for Lai Chee-ying and the other eight defendants, as well as three companies relating to Apple Daily in respect of their convictions of a total of three charges of offences endangering national security, the western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians have used this as a pretext to slander, smear, and attack the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). They have even maliciously disparaged the court’s independent judgement and sentence handed down in accordance with the law. The HKSAR Government firmly opposed and strongly condemned such despicable conduct.

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “‘Lai Chee-ying case’ was the first convicted case of the offence of ‘collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security’ since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). This marks an important milestone in the HKSAR’s efforts to safeguard national security, manifesting the role of the HKNSL as a key stabilising force. This case also admonishes that villains who endanger national security could never escape the sanctions of the law and would surely be severely punished in accordance with the law. Under the robust protection of the HKNSL, the attempts by external forces to ‘use Hong Kong to contain China’ are doomed to fail, leaving them with no option but only to smear and vilify the HKSAR’s efforts to safeguard national security with futile and despicable political manoeuvres which would be in vain. By distorting facts and reversing right and wrong, their malicious intent has been seen through by all and must be resolutely refuted to set the record straight.”

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CHP reminds public not to consume raw oysters and observe food safety as two more food poisoning clusters reported

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP reminds public not to consume raw oysters and observe food safety as two more food poisoning clusters reported 
New food poisoning clusters
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     The clusters involve five males and three females aged between 28 and 29. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting and fever about 25 to 75 hours after having dinner at Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, on January 31 and February 2 respectively.
      
     Four of the affected persons sought medical advice but did not require hospitalisation. All of the affected individuals are currently in stable condition.
      
     A preliminary investigation revealed that the food items that the affected individuals had in common include raw oyster, salmon sashimi, crab leg and brown crab at the aforementioned restaurant. Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) conducted an investigation and examined the handling processes and food hygiene at the restaurant on February 6 and collected food and environmental samples for testing. The CFS’s field investigation revealed that the affected persons may have contracted food poisoning from consuming raw food. The CFS immediately instructed the premises concerned to suspend serving the incriminated food items and to carry out cleaning and disinfection of the premises. The officers have also provided health education related to food safety and environmental hygiene to the staff of the premises. All of the newly reported cases consumed raw food concerned before preventive and control measures instituted by the CFS.
      
     The investigation of the CHP and the CFS is ongoing.

Recent surge in norovirus-related food poisoning cases
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     “Food poisoning cases have continuously increased over the past few weeks, rising from one case a week on average in late December last year to four cases a week on average in January. A total of 30 cases have been recorded since February. Between January 18 and February 9, the CHP has recorded 37 food poisoning cases, affecting 115 persons. Among which, 33 cases (89 per cent) were related to norovirus, affecting 101 persons. Epidemiological investigation showed that all the affected persons of the food poisoning cases related to norovirus had consumed raw oysters during the incubation period. Among the affected persons, five persons were hospitalised for treatment. All are in stable condition. The CHP has notified the CFS on all the food poisoning cases for follow up,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
      
     “As oysters feed by filtering a large volume of seawater, pathogens can accumulate in them if they are grown in or harvested from contaminated water. Raw and partially cooked oysters are considered a high-risk food. Persons who consume undercooked or contaminated oysters may contract food-borne diseases such as norovirus, hepatitis A virus or other bacteria. In view of the drastic increase in food poisoning cases related to consumption of raw oysters recently, members of the public, especially pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or liver diseases, shall stay vigilant and avoid consumption of raw oysters or partially cooked bivalve shellfish to prevent infection,” Dr Tsui explained.
      
     “In addition to food poisoning, norovirus can also cause acute gastroenteritis (AGE). According to the CHP’s surveillance data, the AGE activity level has continued to increase since early January, including AGE outbreaks in institutions and schools. Laboratory testing indicated that over 60 per cent of the outbreaks were caused by norovirus. In addition, there have been increases in the norovirus activity in other popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens, including Japan and Korea. Members of the public should remain vigilant and maintain personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of being infected while travelling,” Dr Tsui added.
 
Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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Stable Mainland food supply ensured

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan met a Mainland delegation who visited Hong Kong today to ensure residents have a sufficient supply of food from the Mainland during the Lunar New Year.

Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce Li Na led the delegation, with members including representatives from the General Administration of Customs, the Communist Party of China Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and Guangdong Province’s Department of Commerce.

Mr Tse noted that the relevant Mainland authorities have strengthened the sources of supply and enhanced contingency plans to ensure the stability and safety of the food supply, fully demonstrating the central authorities’ care and support for Hong Kong.

He also shared with the delegation on how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government rolls out various new food-related initiatives to align proactively with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

The delegation visited the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse in the morning to observe the transportation, auction and slaughtering of live pigs supplied to Hong Kong.

In the afteroon, the delegation visited Wan Chai Market and the Western Wholesale Food Market to observe the distribution and sale of fresh food.

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‘Judgment illustrates rule of law’

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said the court’s judgment in the Lai Chee-ying case illustrates that the rule of law in Hong Kong is robust, criminal acts will never be tolerated and no one is above the law. 

The court today sentenced Lai Chee-ying to 20 years’ imprisonment, given the grave nature of the case. 

Mr Tang told a media session this afternoon that the heavy sentence clearly reflects the very serious nature of the offences committed by Lai Chee-ying. 

“The court pointed out that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind and driving force in the case. He has colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions against his country. The court has emphasised that Lai had harboured his resentment and hatred of China for years. His only intent was to seek the downfall of the Chinese Communist Party and even though the ultimate cost would be the sacrifice of the people of China and that of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.”

The court held that the offence of “conspiracy to print, publish, sell, offer for sale, distribute, display and/or reproduce seditious publications” in this case fell within the most serious category of its type, and the two offences of “conspiracy to commit collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” fell within the category of offences of a grave nature.

In the reasons for the sentence, the court pointed out these offences took place at a time when Hong Kong had hardly recovered from the social turmoil caused by the black-clad violence. The conspiracies were meticulously planned, involved multiple parties and were clearly premeditated.

Even after the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the defendants continued with their crimes for some time until after they were arrested by the police.

Mr Tang added: “The heavy sentence clearly reflects the very serious nature of the offence committed by Lai Chee-ying. The court’s judgment illustrates that the rule of law in Hong Kong is robust, criminal acts will never be tolerated and no one is above the law.”

He emphasised that both the reasons for the verdict and the sentence handed down fully demonstrate that the court has arrived at the judgment in strict accordance with the law and the evidence, not with any underlying matters of political, policies or other non-legal considerations.

In addition, the Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with freedom of the press.

The security chief noted that although Lai Chee-ying and other defendants will face legal sanctions they deserve, Hong Kong is still facing national security risks. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to unwaveringly and fearlessly prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law.

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AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong or purchase them online illegally

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong or purchase them online illegally  
     A spokesman for the AFCD said, “Some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, and the import and export of such species are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) is the local legislation that gives effect to CITES in Hong Kong. Under the Ordinance, the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and derivatives, is subject to control under a licensing system.”
 
     Any person who contravenes the Ordinance, even for non-commercial purposes, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction, and the specimens will also be forfeited. More than 500 related seizures were made in 2025. The specimens seized included orchids (including artificially propagated species such as moth orchid), American ginseng, dried seahorses, gastrodia, dendrobium and shark fins of scheduled shark species.
 
     “As the Chinese New Year approaches, there have been a number of recent cases in which members of the public were intercepted by Hong Kong Customs for bringing orchids into Hong Kong from the Chinese Mainland. Members of the public should pay attention to whether the plant and animal products they intend to buy from places outside Hong Kong (including those purchased online) are endangered species. It might not be easy to identify whether the wildlife products originate from endangered species. Therefore, members of the public are advised not to buy such items if they cannot ascertain whether the items are subject to control,” the spokesman continued.
 
     The Government is committed to the protection of endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely together and step up their enforcement in combating the illegal trade in endangered species. For information on endangered species, please call 1823 or visit www.cites.hkIssued at HKT 11:20

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Hong Kong Customs, Immigration Department and Hong Kong Police Force conduct joint enforcement action during mega event

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs, Immigration Department and Hong Kong Police Force conduct joint enforcement action during mega event       
     During the operation, the enforcement officers conducted test-buy operations and suspected that five mobile hawkers were visitors taking up employment or establishing or joining in business in Hong Kong. The five mobile hawkers were subsequently arrested by immigration officers on suspicion of being illegal workers. The arrested illegal workers were five women, aged 20 to 40.
      
     Customs, the ImmD and the Police will continue to step up high-profile patrol and enforcement to resolutely combat different kinds of illegal activities in the vicinity of the event venues during mega events.

     Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
      
     Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any infringing goods commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four 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.hkIssued at HKT 22:00

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