- 26 -
He also took the opportunity to remind traders of traditional medicine and other members of the community that under the ordinance, it was a serious offence to import, export and possess endangered species without an AFD permit.
If the species is a highly endangered one and used for commercial purpose, the maximum penalty is a $5 million fine plus two years in jail. Highly endangered species include live items, their parts, derivatives and medicines containing or claiming to contain tiger and rhino ingredients.
Citing a previous court case as an example, Mr Cheung said that a firm was fined a record of $500,000 at the Western Magistracy last week after its owner pleaded guilty to possessing a large quantity of medicines claiming to contain tiger ingredients for trading purpose.
This showed the court had been taking a serious view of such offences, he said, hoping that the record heavy fine would serve as an effective deterrent.
He also urged members of the public to report any illegal activities on endangered species to AFD by calling 2733 2144.
End/Friday, November 17, 1995
$1.5 million grant to aid earthquake victims in China.
The Disaster Relief Fund Advisory Committee today (Friday) approved a grant of $1.5 million to Oxfam Hong Kong as a contribution to the organisation's emergency relief programme for the earthquake victims in Wuding and Luquan, Yunnan, China.
A government spokesman said the Advisory Committee was concerned about the severe conditions the people in the affected areas had to face after the earthquake.
"The Committee hopes that this will stimulate further responses from the public towards the plight of the people there," he said.
To ensure that the grant will be used for the designated purpose, the Hong Kong Government will require Oxfam Hong Kong to submit an evaluation report and an audited account on the use of the grant.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.