Disqualification period doubled

The Court of Appeal extended the disqualification of a driver who killed 19 people in an accident from three years to six years.

Hung Ling-kwok, 33, was sentenced last year to three years and four months in prison for dangerous driving causing death as a result of a 2008 bus crash in Sai Kung. He was also disqualified from driving for three years at the District Court. But the Department of Justice applied for leave to review the disqualification.

206 nabbed in anti-drug action

Police seized about HK$1.7 million worth of suspected dangerous drugs and arrested 206 persons during two city-wide operations concluded Wednesday.

To combat drug-related crime, especially among young people, during the Easter holidays, the two anti-drug operations codenamed "Vanquisher VI" and "Tailbacker III" were conducted from March 29 to April 14.

Columbarium study group

The Food and Health Bureau has formed a working group to study increasing columbarium facilities (for storing cremated remains) and enhancing consumer protection.

The group will consider introducing a listing system to inform the public whether a columbarium complies with regulations, the bureau said Thursday. The measures will be announced within this quarter.

The government will work to increase the supply of public columbarium niches. It will plan the development of columbarium facilities more effectively and identify suitable locations for developing the facilities.

Digital certificate pilot scheme

A pilot project to facilitate the adoption of electronic signature certificates for cross-border services has been announced. The new application procedure will pave the way for recognized certificate authorities in Guangdong and Hong Kong - and their partners - to submit applications.

Recognized certificate authorities in Hong Kong and Guangdong may seek partners jointly identifying projects and submitting entries to be included in the pilot project.

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer said Thursday the mutual recognition of electronic signature certificates or digital certificates can help encourage secure transactions of electronic information and facilitate the rapid development of e-commerce in both places.

Detention center's handover

The Correctional Services Department has transferred management of the Castle Peak Bay Immigration Centre to the Immigration Department.

The center began operation in 2005, providing 400 places for immigration detainees who are awaiting repatriation or deportation under the Immigration Ordinance. The Correctional Services Department agreed to manage the center for the first five years of operation.

Hiker lost in Lion Rock found

A 46-year-old man who lost his way while hiking on Lion Rock hill Wednesday was found early Thursday morning.

The man entered the hill in the New Territories via a trail that begins at Tsui Chuk Garden but got lost when he headed back. He called police at around 8 pm Wednesday, prompting a search by firemen and Civil Aid Service cadets.

China Daily

(HK Edition 04/16/2010 page1)