Over 37,000 Participate in Basic Law Quiz Competition Final and Prize Ceremony

2025-04-19 17:02 Last Updated At：17:18

Basic Law Quiz Competition Final and Prize Presentation Ceremony held today

The Basic Law Quiz Competition Final and Prize Presentation Ceremony was held today (April 19), which was jointly organised by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB), the Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education (CPCE) and the Local Community Sub-group under the Working Group on Constitution, Basic Law and Hong Kong National Security Law of the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee. This year's competition received an overwhelming response, attracting over 37 000 participants.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, said that the Constitution is the fundamental and supreme law of the state, an important symbol and sign of the nation, and holds the highest legal status. The Constitution gives the legislative backing and source of validity for the Basic Law. Without its authorisation, the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region would not have existed. The country has long supported and safeguarded Hong Kong's interests across various domains. Being part of the country, it is imperative for Hong Kong to understand that upholding national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity is the fundamental responsibility and due obligation of all Chinese people, including people in Hong Kong.

He added that the promotion of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and safeguarding national security education is a long-term task that requires concerted efforts of all sectors of the community to create a conducive atmosphere. He encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and safeguarding national security throughout the competition, and expressed hope that young people can actively equip themselves and make contributions to building an even better Hong Kong and advancing national rejuvenation.

The quiz competition covered the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Basic Law and its history and safeguarding national security. The competition comprises the Family, Senior Primary School, Secondary School and Open categories. To tie in with the quiz competition, the organisers hosted five seminars from February to April to introduce the Constitution and the Basic Law to secondary and primary school students.

The HYAB has long been working closely with the CPCE in promoting the Constitution, the Basic Law and safeguarding national security at the community level through various channels and diverse means, including publishing parent-child magazines, creating websites and social media pages, organising competitions, seminars and exhibitions, as well as sponsoring eligible organisations to organise various promotional and exchange activities on civic and national education.

TACO Continues Crackdown on Illegal Waterpipe Smoking, Issues Five Penalty Notices in Central Enforcement Operation

2025-05-02 11:45 Last Updated At：11:58

DH continues to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas

The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) continued to clamp down on illegal waterpipe smoking in no smoking areas by conducting another enforcement operation, codenamed "Pipepurge", in Central last night (May 1) and issued a total of five fixed penalty notices (FPNs).

During the operation, officers from TACO (including plainclothes officers) carried out inspections and enforcement action at one bar in Central, and issued a total of five FPNs to persons illegally smoking waterpipes. TACO's investigation is ongoing, and prosecution may also be taken against operators of the bar who are suspected of aiding and abetting smoking offences. TACO will also refer the cases to the Liquor Licensing Board for appropriate follow-up action.

Under the Ordinance, conducting a smoking act in a statutory no smoking area (such as indoor areas of bars or restaurants) is prohibited. Any person doing a smoking act in statutory no smoking areas is liable to a fixed penalty of $1,500. Moreover, where smoking products (including waterpipes) are sold, in bars or otherwise, the restrictions on the promotion and sale of smoking products stipulated in the Ordinance apply. Offenders are liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000. Venue managers of statutory no smoking areas are empowered by the Ordinance to request a smoking offender cease the act; if the offender is not co-operative, the manager may contact the Police for assistance.

In addition, under the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, any person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of any offence shall be guilty of the same offence.

"The DH will continue to closely monitor and take stringent enforcement action against illegal waterpipe smoking. Last year (2024), TACO conducted 162 operations against illegal waterpipe smoking activities in no smoking areas. A total of 162 FPNs were issued against smoking offenders, while 89 summonses were issued to staff members and operators of the bars/restaurants for other related offences," the Head of TACO, Dr Fung Ying, said.

Dr Fung reminded the public that waterpipe is a smoking product, and its combustion of fuel (e.g. charcoal) releases carbon monoxide. Exposure to a low concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to a range of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, tiredness and nausea; whereas exposure to a high concentration of carbon monoxide can lead to impaired vision, disturbed co-ordination, unconsciousness, brain damage or even death. People should seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they are developing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

A typical one-hour waterpipe smoking session exposes the user to 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled from a single conventional cigarette. Moreover, sharing a waterpipe apparatus increases the risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis.

She cautioned against waterpipe smoking and the use of other smoking products. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For more information on the hazards of waterpipe smoking, please visit www.livetobaccofree.hk/pdfs/waterpipe_leaflet_new.pdf.