Board to recommend ways to improve deposit plan

The Deposit Protection Board plans to offer recommendations on the Deposit Protection Scheme's coverage in the first quarter of 2009, taking into account views from the Monetary Authority's public consultation that finishes next month.

Board Chairman Professor Andrew Chan said in an annual report released yesterday that marked progress has been made in enhancing public confidence in the plan and its efficiency and effectiveness.

Police looking into the spreading of AIA rumors

American International Assurance (AIA) issued a statement yesterday saying that some people recently spread a rumor that AIA's parent company, American International Group, planned to sell its Asia businesses and was looking for buyers interested in acquiring AIA.

The Hong Kong-based insurer said the entire story was fabricated and alerted the police, who confirmed yesterday the case is now being handled by the commercial crime division.

MTR's single-trip ticketing system to be tested Sunday

The Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTRC) said yesterday that it will conduct a test of the single-trip ticketing system throughout the MTR subway network on Sunday, when the automatic gates in the three interchange stations at Kowloon Tong, Mei Fu and Nam Cheong will be removed.

Passengers using Octopus cards need not swipe in or out, and neither should people using single-trip tickets when they change trains at the three interchanges.

Man, 50, in stable condition with pig disease

The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed the year's fourth Streptococcus Suis infection, involving a 50-year-old Sham Shui Po man.

He developed a fever, back pain and left shoulder pain on Sept 18. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre two days later and is now in stable condition.

To prevent the disease, people should observe good hygiene practices and avoid contact with pigs.

China Daily

(HK Edition 09/26/2008 page1)