DH alerts public to fraudulent EatSmart Restaurant Star + website and social media page

The Department of Health (DH) today (July 17) alerted members of the public to a suspected fraudulent website and Facebook page of the DH’s “EatSmart Restaurant Star +” Campaign, and urged the public to avoid providing any personal information through hyperlinks from unknown sources at suspicious websites.

A spokesman for the DH said that the logo of the “EatSmart Restaurant Star +” Campaign and content of related activities were recently found being fraudulently used in the fake website and Facebook page (the link to thefraudulent website is restaurant-eatsmart.myfreesites.net/). The DH has reported the incident to the Police.

The spokesman reminded that the link to the website of the “EatSmart Restaurant Star +”Campaign is restaurant.eatsmart.gov.hk/; and the link to the Facebook page “星級有營食肆” which bears a blue tick verification badge is www.facebook.com/eatsmartrestaurant.dh/.

The spokesman stressed that the DH’s social media page will not leave comments on its posts requesting event participants to click on any external links, nor request participants in any form to provide their bank or credit card information. Members of the public are urged to be discerning in distinguishing the authenticity of online information. They should not click on any hyperlinks from unknown sources with a view to forestalling losses. Those who have provided his/her personal information to the suspected fraudulent page or through relevant hyperlinks are advised to consider reporting the matter to the Police.

AFCD laid charges against Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of using snake cages for fishing and local coxswain

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (July 17) laid charges against five Mainland fishermen deckhands suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages (a type of cage trap banned in Hong Kong waters) on a local fishing vessel in waters off Shek Kwu Chau and a local coxswain onboard.

A joint operation was conducted by the AFCD together with the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (July 16). A local fishing vessel was suspected of engaging in fishing using snake cages and was intercepted at around 5.30pm for investigation. Some fishing gear (including snake cages and winches) on board was seized by the AFCD.

After investigation, charges were laid against the six men who were suspected to have violated the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171). They will appear at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 18).

Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Local Fishing Vessel Registration can be employed for fishing by the vessel. The conditions of Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel regarding cage traps stipulate that any collapsible cage traps should not be connected in any way to another; or should not exceed five metres in any of its extended dimensions. Hence, fishing using snake cages is in breach of the registration conditions. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months’ imprisonment upon conviction.

The spokesman stressed, “The Government is committed to combatting illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will continue to step up patrols and take stringent enforcement action.”