XN000022-1995-08-04 — Page 14

-

13-

Shark warning flags still up

Shark warning flags are still being hoisted at eight Sai Kung gazetted beaches.

This serves to remind the public to remain vigilant and to stay away from these beaches and also waters in the area for the time being, a spokesman for the Recreation and Culture Branch said today (Friday).

Members of the public, in particular students now on holiday, wishing to take a dip in the sea, or engage in water activities, should do so only at other gazetted beaches or in waters outside Sai Kung. They can also make use of the 27 swimming complexes under the two municipal councils.

"We will keep the public posted of the latest developments but it is most important for them to co-operate with the Government by paying full attention to our advice," he said.

Shark warning flags have been hoisted at the Campers, Clear Water Bay First, Clear Water Bay Second, Hap Mun Bay, Kiu Tsui, Pak Sha Chau, Silverstrand and Trio beaches since June 2.

End/Friday, August 4, 1995

Heavy penalties for trading in tiger/rhino medicines

People in possession of medicines containing or claiming to contain tiger or rhino ingredients for trading purpose could face heavy fines or even jail terms upon conviction.

The reminder came from the Agriculture and Fisheries Department's (AFD) Senior Conservation Officer, Mr Chan Jee-keung, after a shop and a man were fined $40,000 and $20,000 respectively for selling medicines claiming to contain tiger and rhino ingredients in two separate cases recently.

Mr Chan said a single fine of $40,000 was the highest handed down by a magistrate under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance since its maximum penalties were increased to $5 million plus two years' imprisonment in January this year.