Probe launched for 'census cheating'

The Census and Statistics Bureau has launched an investigation into media allegations that census officers have been cheating on questionnaires to create a false impression of efficiency.

The allegation was made in a Chinese newspaper, which quoted unnamed census officers as saying colleagues fabricate answers for question in the continuous General Household Survey to make it appear that the person being polled was intentionally staying out of the job market. By fabricating answers, officers could save 70 percent of interview time that would otherwise be spent on asking questions on factors of unemployment. The report continued, the deceptive practice has been going on for more than 10 years.

The department said that it has zero tolerance for fraud and will publicize investigation results in due course.

Tycoon 'too ill' to attend graft trial

The corruption trial involving Hong Kong tycoons Joseph Lau Luen-hung and Steven Lo Kit-sing was adjourned in the high court of Macao after Lau complained of ill health. The trial opened on Monday after a postponement arising from the judge falling ill. But defense counsel for Lau, who is the chairman of Chinese Estates Holdings, said that Lau was unable to attend because he is suffering from a chronic disease. The prosecution called it a delaying tactic, pointing to media coverage of Lau's social activities as proof of his good health. But the judge accepted a letter from Lau's doctor as evidence of Lau's illness. But the tycoon was required to clarify when he will be able to come to the court to fix a new trial date.

New remedy for cerebral aneurysms

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) announced it has successfully conducted Asia's first clinical research on the use of "flow diverters", or "pipelines", to treat cerebral aneurysms.

Cerebral aneurysm is a potential health hazard that occurs in about 2 to 6 percent of the population in Hong Kong. Conventionally, cerebral aneurysms are treated surgically but the approach is considered invasive and at elevated risk.

A flow diverter is a tube-like device composed of tightly knitted fine metal strips, to be implanted in the vascular segment affected by the aneurysm.

A clinical study conducted from September 2008 to September 2011, involving 143 patients, found the flow diverter a safe and effective treatment for aneurysms, CUHK said.

Banned animal products seized

Hong Kong Customs has seized a shipment of healthfoods, including products from endangered species, with a value of about HK$8 million. The smuggled products were seized at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point. A 52-year-old male driver was arrested.

During an anti-smuggling operation on Saturday, customs officers intercepted an outbound cross-boundary truck with a 40-foot-long refrigerated container, which was declared to be carrying 9,675 kilograms of "deer antlers".

Upon X-ray examination and detailed cargo inspection, customs officers found the unmanifested cargo, including banned crocodylia meat and dried seahorses. Both the crocodylia and seahorses are endangered species.

China Daily

(HK Edition 01/08/2013 page1)