City Digest, January 17, 2013

Journalists weigh in on companies law plan

The International Federation of Journalists said yesterday it backed the local journalist body in calling on the government to withdraw amendments to the Companies Ordinance. The proposed changes would restrict access to directors' information, which the federation said would severely hinder media probes into crimes such as money laundering and abuse of power.

30 suspected parallel traders arrested

The Immigration Department and police arrested 30 mainland visitors - 18 men and 12 women aged 22 to 63 - on suspicion of breaching their conditions of stay by engaging in parallel trading. Large amounts of baby milk formula and other goods were seized. Since September, 562 mainlanders and 10 Hong Kong residents have been held on suspicion of parallel trading.

Three workers hurt in Quarry Bay blaze

Three people were hurt in a fire at a scaffolding company in Quarry Bay. An employee, 34, said he was using thinner to remove paint from his hand inside the Yick Fat Building on King's Road when a colleague nearby lit a cigarette with a lighter. Both men suffered minor burns, while a female worker was also slightly injured. The fire was quickly put out by firefighters. The three were taken to hospital and discharged after treatment.

NZ tourism firm opens regional head office

New-Zealand tourism company Quantitative Industries Limited has opened its regional headquarters in the city, with plans to link outbound travel firms in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and the mainland with operators in New Zealand.