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Macau Ferry Terminal will remain open 24 hours while China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui will be open as normal between 6 am and 10 pm on these days.
The Victoria Marine Office in Harbour Building will be open from 9 am to 11 am on December 26 and January 2, 1995 for entry and outward clearance only.
The Port Formalities Office in the same building will also be open from 9 am to 11 am on December 26 and January 2, 1995.
End/Friday, December 23, 1994
Public reminded not to bring back endangered species
Members of the public visiting China and overseas countries during Christmas and New Year holidays are reminded not to bring back any endangered species or medicine containing or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients on their return to Hong Kong.
Any person found importing, exporting or in possession of these prohibited items is contravening the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance. It carries a maximum fine of $25,000 on first offence and $50,000 fine plus six months' imprisonment on subsequent offences upon conviction.
The Agriculture and Fisheries Department's (AFD) Acting Senior Conservation Officer, Mr Chan Ping-kwong, said today (Friday) that usually after a relatively long holiday, a number of seizures would be made at the checkpoints by Customs and Excise officers.
Mr Chan said: "Among the more commonly seized species were live or stuffed specimens of parrot, eagle, owl, slow loris, pangolin, cobra, land tortoise and coral."
From January to November this year, there were a total of 539 prosecutions for offences relating to the ordinance with a total fine of more than $1.33 million.
He pointed out that Customs and AFD officers had stepped up inspection at the checkpoints and retail shops where endangered species might be offered for sale.
Mr Chan reiterated the Government's continued efforts to clamp down on illegal import, export and possession of endangered species to help conserve them and implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
End/Friday, December 23, 1994